Check Yearly. See Clearly.

Is It Time for an Eye Exam?

Yearly eye exams are recommended by doctors. You may not notice any changes in your vision. Unlike your teeth hurting to signal a needed trip to the dentist, vision and eye health are usually not subject to sudden change. Family history of eye disease mandates an exam to diagnose, treat, and maintain your eye health.

When you "Check Yearly," chances are much better you and your family will "See Clearly" for life. If you or a family member notices a change in vision, please contact an eye-care professional immediately.

Someone in Your Family May Be at Risk

Children: One in four has a vision problem. Since 80% of learning is obtained visually, this can lead to difficulties in school. This is why many experts recommend that children receive an eye exam from an eye doctor before starting school.

Children are at risk of:

• Amblyopia (lazy eye)
• Emmetropia (refractive error)
• Strabismus (crossed/wandering eyes)

Adults: Millions unknowingly harbor one of three eye diseases that could blind them. Through regular eye exams, these diseases can be detected and treated early, helping to preserve vision.

Adults are at risk of:

• Cataract (clouding of the lens)
• Glaucoma (disease of the optic nerve)
• Macular Degeneration (loss of central vision)
• Presbyopia (progressive condition that makes reading and doing close-up work increasingly difficult)

Seniors: One in three has a vision problem. Since the risk of eye disease continues to increase as we age, regular eye exams are especially important for seniors.

Seniors are at risk of:

• Cataract
• Glaucoma
• Macular Degeneration

Genetic Risks: While no one is immune from vision problems or eye disease, there are other demographics who are also at increased risk. These include:

• Persons with diabetes, who are at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy (bleeding in the eye)
• African Americans, who are three times more likely to develop glaucoma than Caucasians
• Caucasions, women, and smokers, who are at greater risk of developing macular degeneration
• Anyone with a family history of eye disease

For more information on protecting your family's vision health, please visit www.thevisioncouncil.org.