Preventing vision loss and promoting eye health into the golden years

Millions of people have problems with their vision each year, often affecting how they carry out their day-to-day activities. Although vision is often considered one of the most precious and feared senses to lose, many Americans are unaware of the eye diseases that cause preventable vision loss and blindness. Many eye diseases and conditions that can result in low vision or blindness—such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and glaucoma—often have no early warning signs or symptoms. A comprehensive dilated eye exam by an eye care professional can help protect a person's sight by detecting eye diseases in their early stages, before vision loss has occurred. This session will describe how the National Eye Health Education Program (NEHEP) of the National Eye Institute has worked with traditional and social media outlets, professional groups, and community-based organizations to promote the importance of comprehensive dilated eye exams and prevent vision loss among older adults. Attendees will learn about the most common causes of age-related vision loss and blindness, the common effects of vision loss on everyday tasks, and the role of early detection and timely treatment in reducing the risk of vision loss. In addition, participants will learn about strategies for working with traditional and social media outlets, professional groups, and community-based organizations to promote the importance of eye health. Finally, attendees will learn about a variety of resources that NEHEP has available to increase awareness about the importance of comprehensive dilated eye exams among older adults.