Posted by: Eye Health Northwest in General Eye Health on May 15, 2025
Did you know that May is designated by the National Eye Institute as Healthy Vision Month? While it seems like common sense to take care of your vision, most patients don’t realize that these simple practices can have a big impact on the future of their eye health.
Keep reading to learn more about what you can do to protect your eyes this Healthy Vision Month.
1. Schedule Regular Eye Exams
Regular eye exams can ensure the early diagnosis and treatment of common, but serious eye conditions, like glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). These conditions can be asymptomatic in their earliest stages and permanently impair vision if left untreated.
For most adults, it is advisable to schedule a comprehensive eye exam at least every two years. Annual eye exams are the best way to protect eye health if you are over 65 or have certain risk factors, including a family history of eye conditions or diabetes.
2. Wear Sunglasses
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light can increase your risk of developing cataracts, AMD, and other eye conditions that can impact eye health. The damage caused by UV light is cumulative, and its effects often do not show up until later in life.
You can protect your eyes from UV light by always wearing sunglasses that block 100% of UVA and UVB rays. If you wear glasses and spend a lot of time outside, opt for lenses with a special coating that protects your eyes from UV light.
3. Practice Healthy Screen Habits
Digital eye strain caused by prolonged use of electronic devices is an increasingly common threat to eye health. It can result in dry eye, eyes that itch or burn, light sensitivity, and blurry vision.
To prevent digital eye strain, you should practice healthy screen habits, including taking frequent breaks, limiting total screen time, and viewing screens from an appropriate distance. Wearing special computer glasses that filter blue light can also lessen eye strain.
4. Use Protective Eyewear
Every year, US emergency rooms treat more than 30,000 sport-related eye injuries. It is estimated that around 90% of these injuries could have been prevented with the proper eye protection.
Protective sports eyewear should be made of shatter-resistant polycarbonate plastic and fit snugly around the eye area to prevent eye injuries.
5. Manage Chronic Health Conditions
Certain chronic health conditions can cause complications that have the potential to affect healthy vision. For instance, people with diabetes are at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy, a condition that can lead to blindness.
Careful management of chronic health conditions, with medication, diet, exercise, and regular doctor’s visits, can reduce the risks of complications. Protecting your overall health is directly tied to protecting your eye health.
6. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Your diet plays a significant role in eye health. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, vitamins A, C, and E, and zinc can help protect the quality of your vision.
Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water is equally important, as it helps maintain the moisture balance in your eyes. You should avoid beverages that contain caffeine or alcohol, both of which can be dehydrating.
Let the month of May be your opportunity to take charge of your vision. By being aware of potential threats to eye health and taking steps to prevent them, you can make every month of the year Healthy Vision Month.
Are you up-to-date on the health of your eyes? Schedule an appointment at EyeHealth Northwest in Portland, OR, for a comprehensive exam and assessment of your vision and eye health needs.
