Why Your Eyes Deserve A Checkup
We have five basic senses—touch, taste, hearing, smell, and sight. This month, we’re focusing on sight. Our senses help us perceive and make sense of the world by sending essential information to our brain. And in the body’s incredible design, when one sense is lost or diminished, the others often become heightened to compensate. Still, in the hustle and bustle of life, it’s easy to take these God-given gifts for granted—especially our vision.
July is Healthy Vision Awareness Month, as promoted by the National Eye Institute, and it’s a great reminder to focus on prevention. That means prioritizing regular eye exams and wearing protective eyewear—especially during summer fun activities like fireworks, yard work, or contact sports.
Far too often, people don’t think about their eye health until something goes wrong. During my patients’ annual physicals, I always ask when their last eye exam was. Interestingly, many patients are up to date with their dental cleanings but significantly behind on eye screenings. As someone who wears glasses daily to bring the world into crisp, colorful clarity, skipping an eye exam just isn’t an option for me.
Confession: Last year, I avoided my ophthalmologist because I knew I was at the age when progressives (ahem… grown-up glasses) might be necessary. Vanity had me in denial. But as time went on, I noticed a real impact on my work and focus, and I finally made the appointment I had been dodging. I had to face it—literally and figuratively.
Just like routine dental care helps prevent cavities, routine eye care helps prevent vision loss.
Eye Exam Guidelines:
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology:
- Ages 20–39: At least one eye exam in your 20s and two in your 30s
- Ages 40–54: Every 2–4 years if no risk factors
- Ages 55–64: Every 1–3 years if no risk factors
- African Americans 40+ and all adults 50+: Dilated eye exam every 1–2 years due to higher glaucoma risk
Common Risk Factors:
- Family history of eye disease (e.g., glaucoma, macular degeneration, early cataracts)
- Hypertension
- Diabetes (Type 1 or 2)
- Smoking
- Prolonged sun exposure
- High-risk occupations (metal work, farming, construction, manufacturing)
- Certain medications (such as corticosteroids or some antihistamines)
Preventative Eye Health Tips:
- Get regular comprehensive eye exams
- Wear appropriate protective eyewear for work, sports, and recreation
- Avoid nicotine
- Eat eye-healthy foods: dark leafy greens, colorful fruits/veggies, and omega-3 rich foods like salmon and flaxseed
- Pay attention to changes in vision
- Don’t ignore symptoms of infection or irritation
- Stay physically active
This month, take a moment to appreciate the incredible gift of sight. Make your eye health a priority—not just for today, but for the long run.
See the beauty around you. Protect the vision within you.
