Prevent Blindness Eye Health and Safety Observance Calendar
National Glaucoma Awareness Month
More than 2.2 million Americans age 40 and older suffer from glaucoma. Nearly half do not know they have the disease—it causes no early symptoms. Prevent Blindness America will provide insightful information about this “Sneak Thief of Sight.”
AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month
Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss, affecting more than 2 million Americans age 50 and older. Low vision aids can make the most of remaining vision. Information on eye disease warning signs and treatment will be available.
Workplace Eye Wellness Month
When it comes to eye health, the more vision ailments employees have, the more medical care they utilize, increasing healthcare related expenses. Employers are encouraged to contact Prevent Blindness America for information on the Healthy Eyes Vision Wellness Program, promoting vision care services in the workplace.
Women’s Eye Health and Safety Month
Women often manage family health concerns. Do you know how to protect your sight? Hormonal changes, age and smoking can endanger sight. Information on women’s and family eye-health issues will be provided.
Ultraviolet Awareness Month
Exposure to UV rays can burn delicate eye tissue and raise the risk of developing cataracts and cancers of the eye. Protecting your eyes from UV dangers and choosing the right sunglasses will be the topic of the month.
Cataract Awareness Month
Cataract is the leading cause of blindness in the world. There are close to 22.3 million Americans age 40 and older with cataracts. More than half of all Americans will have cataracts by age 80. Prevent Blindness America will offer tips about prevention and information about surgery.
Fireworks Safety Month
Activities during this period will alert parents and children to the dangers of playing with fireworks. Prevent Blindness America will offer safer ways to celebrate the Fourth of July.
Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
Included in this month will be information about amblyopia, a condition that can affect two to three percent of children and cause permanent vision loss. Also included will be tips about preventing eye injuries in children, signs of possible eye problems and general eye health.
Sports Eye Safety Month
There are thousands of eye injuries a year related to sports and hazards around the house. Tips on how to protect yourself and your children from such eye injuries will be discussed.
Home Eye Safety Month
Approximately half of all eye injuries occur in or around the home. Information will be provided on how to keep the eyes safe while at home.
Diabetic Eye Disease Month
Can people with diabetes prevent the onset of diabetic eye disease? During this observance, Prevent Blindness America will offer information to help the 3.6 million Americans age 40 and older who suffer from diabetic eye disease.
Safe Toys and Gifts Month
What are the most dangerous toys to children’s eyesight? Tips on how to choose age appropriate and safe toys will be distributed.