Get EyeSmart To Save Your Vision

Routine eye screenings can catch serious eye diseases such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, some of which seldom present warning signs or symptoms during early stages.

On Sunday, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is kicking off EyeSmart Week, seven days dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of getting regular eye exams to prevent eye disease and vision loss.

Some local businesses that offer eye exams are Eyestyles For Lifestyles on Lake Forest Drive, South County Eye Care on Lake Center Drive and .

According to the academy, everyone should get a baseline eye exam by age 40.

Experts say that knowing your family history of eye disease can help save your sight. Minority populations are at a greater risk for eye disease and vision loss; seniors are at especially high risk for eye disease.

Parents should know what to look for to preserve their children's healthy vision and regardless of symptoms or vision problems, routine eye exams should be part of everyone’s health routine in order to catch and treat eye diseases early.

“Most Americans understand the importance of regular dental visits or cancer screenings, but often forget about their eye health until they notice a problem," said Dr. Stephanie Marioneaux, a clinical correspondent for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. "Too often, this costs patients their vision. A dilated eye exam is the only way to catch eye disease early so that preventive measures can be taken to save sight."

Visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology EyeSmart website to learn more about eye exams.