May is Healthy Vision Month — Here's Why You Should Prioritize Your Eye Health

May is Healthy Vision Month, making it the perfect time to start prioritizing your eye health and taking proactive steps to preserve your vision.

Why Eye Health Matters at Every Age

Regular eye exams are essential for people of all ages — whether you have perfect eyesight or live with a diagnosed vision condition. Routine checkups help detect common eye problems early, often before symptoms appear.

While many people assume vision issues only affect adults, that’s far from the truth. In fact, vision disability is one of the most common disabilities in children. Yet only 1 in 7 preschoolers receive an eye exam. According to the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, vision screening for children ages 3 to 5 is key to catching conditions like amblyopia (lazy eye) while they’re still treatable.

Early detection matters. Approximately 11 million Americans aged 12 and older could see more clearly with the proper diagnosis and treatment of refractive errors.

What Happens If You Skip Eye Exams?

Without regular checkups, certain preventable or manageable conditions can progress and lead to permanent vision loss. These include:

• Cataracts – Clouding of the eye that causes blurred or foggy vision
• Glaucoma – Damage to the optic nerve, often painless and gradual
• Diabetic Retinopathy – Destruction of blood vessels in the retina
• Macular Degeneration – Affects central vision, often linked to aging

How to Protect Your Eyes

Here are a few practical ways to safeguard your sight:

• Schedule regular eye exams. Early detection is your best defense.
• Know your family history. Conditions like glaucoma, retinal degeneration, and strabismus (crossed eyes) can be hereditary.
• Eat for your eyes. Dark leafy greens (like kale and spinach) and omega-3-rich fish (like salmon and trout) support long-term vision health.
• Wear protective eyewear. Use safety glasses when playing sports or doing home improvement projects.
• Quit smoking and maintain a healthy weight. Both impact your overall eye health.
• Wear UV-blocking sunglasses. Choose lenses that block 99-100% of UVA and UVB rays.
• Handle contact lenses with care. Always wash your hands before inserting or removing lenses, and follow proper cleaning protocols.

Warning Signs to Watch Out For

If you notice any of the following symptoms, don’t wait for your next exam — schedule a visit with your eye doctor immediately:

• Eye pain
• Sudden vision loss, blurriness, or double vision
• Redness or discharge
• Flashes of light or floaters
• Circles or halos around lights
• Irritation, inflammation, or watery/itchy eyes
• A history of diabetes

Vision Health as You Age

As we age, our risk of irreversible eye conditions increases. Macular degeneration, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy are especially common in adults over 50.

• Adults over 40 should have a comprehensive eye exam every 1–2 years.
• Once you turn 50, annual eye exams are strongly recommended.

Schedule Your Annual Eye Exam

If it’s been a while since your last eye exam, let this be your reminder. Schedule an appointment with McDonald Eye Associates at our Fayetteville or Rogers location today. Your future self will thank you for protecting your sight.