Each May, we observe Healthy Vision Month—a reminder to prioritize one of our most precious senses: sight. Vision impacts every aspect of life, from learning and working to driving and connecting with loved ones. Yet, it’s often taken for granted—until something goes wrong.

Healthy Vision Month, spearheaded by the National Eye Institute (NEI), is a nationwide effort to encourage people to protect their eyesight and make eye health a part of their overall wellness routine. Whether you have 20/20 vision or wear glasses, this month reminds you that caring for your eyes is a lifelong responsibility.

Why Eye Health Matters According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 93 million adults in the U.S. are at high risk for serious vision loss, yet only half have visited an eye doctor in the past year. Eye diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy often develop silently—without noticeable symptoms until irreversible damage occurs.

Regular eye exams can detect problems early, even before symptoms begin. With early intervention, many common eye conditions are manageable or even preventable.

Here are 5 Simple Steps to Protect Your Vision

1. Get a Comprehensive Dilated Eye Exam
   A thorough eye exam can detect more than vision changes—it can uncover signs of chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure.
2. Know Your Family’s Eye Health History
   Many eye conditions are hereditary. If certain eye diseases run in your family, regular screenings are even more critical.
3. Wear Sunglasses
   UV protection isn’t just for your skin. Sunglasses that block 99–100% of UVA and UVB rays help prevent cataracts and other sun-related eye damage.
4. Live a Healthy Lifestyle
   A diet rich in leafy greens, fish high in omega-3s, and colorful fruits supports eye health. Don’t smoke—smoking increases your risk for cataracts and macular degeneration.
5. Use Protective Eyewear
   Whether playing sports, doing yard work, or working in a lab, safety goggles or sports glasses can prevent potentially blinding eye injuries.

Tools to Enhance Your Vision

Healthy vision is about more than just 20/20 sight—it’s also about ensuring that anyone living with low vision has the tools and resources they need to remain independent. Some life-changing tools include electronic video magnifiers, such as Amigo, a fully portable, battery-operated magnifier that enlarges small-print text and images, making them visible and bright.

Join us for a FREE upcoming webinar to learn more about Amigo.

Amigo: Your Companion for Healthy Vision
Thursday, May 22 at Noon Eastern
ACVREP Credits will be available for those who attend the live webinar.

Interested in the topic but can’t attend the live webinar? Register for the webinar and we will send you a link to the archive once it is available.

Help Spread the Word!

Healthy Vision Month is a perfect time to remind your friends, family, and coworkers to get their eyes checked. Share your own experiences, schedule your annual exam, and encourage others to take their eye health seriously.

Your vision is a window to the world—take care of it.