Best Ways to Protect Your Sight During Save Your Vision Month and Beyond

What is Save Your Vision Month?

Save Your Vision Month is an annual awareness initiative led by the American Optometric Association (AOA) to emphasize the importance of routine eye care and long-term vision protection. Every March, eye care professionals, healthcare organizations, and advocacy groups come together to educate the public about preventive eye care, the benefits of regular eye exams, and daily habits that promote healthy vision. Over the years, this campaign has expanded to include educational initiatives, community outreach programs, and efforts to improve access to vision care for individuals of all ages.

A core goal of Save Your Vision Month is to encourage proactive steps to protect eyesight. Whether it’s reducing digital eye strain, wearing proper UV protection, or advocating for improved access to vision care, this observance serves as an important reminder that small lifestyle changes today can make a significant impact on long-term eye health. At Grene Vision Group, we proudly support this mission by helping patients take charge of their eye health through education, prevention, and personalized care. 

Understanding Common Eye Health Challenges

Save Your Vision Month is the ideal time to educate yourself on common eye conditions and vision challenges that may develop as you age. By staying proactive with routine eye care and early detection, you can take steps to protect your eyesight and maintain clear vision for years to come. Below are some of the most common eye health concerns:

1. Digital Eye Strain

As digital devices continue to be an integral part of work, school, and daily life, digital eye strain—also known as computer vision syndrome—has become increasingly common. Spending extended periods staring at screens can result in headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision, and neck or shoulder discomfort. This often happens because blinking rates decrease when focusing on digital screens for too long, leading to dryness and irritation. If not properly managed, digital eye strain can impact productivity, cause discomfort, and contribute to long-term vision fatigue.

To reduce the effects of digital eye strain, follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Additionally, making simple adjustments—such as modifying screen brightness, using blue light filters, and positioning screens at the correct height and distance—can significantly help reduce strain and support healthier vision.

2. Age-Related Eye Conditions

As people age, the risk of vision changes and eye diseases increases. Some of the most common age-related conditions include:

• Cataracts: A gradual clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred or dimmed vision. 

• Glaucoma: Often referred to as the "silent thief of sight," glaucoma damages the optic nerve and can lead to permanent vision loss if not diagnosed and treated early. 

• Macular Degeneration: A progressive disease that affects central vision, making activities such as reading, driving, and recognizing faces more difficult. 

• Diabetic Retinopathy: A complication of diabetes that causes damage to the tiny blood vessels in the retina, potentially leading to significant vision impairment or blindness if left untreated. 

Regular comprehensive eye exams are essential for early detection and treatment of these conditions. By catching signs of eye diseases early, patients can better preserve their vision and overall eye health.

3. Other Common Vision Concerns

Beyond age-related conditions, many individuals experience refractive errors and dry eye syndrome. Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can all impact visual clarity, often requiring glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery to correct vision. Another frequent issue is dry eye syndrome, which occurs when the eyes do not produce enough moisture or when tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to irritation, redness, and sensitivity to light, particularly in dry climates, air-conditioned environments, or after extended screen use. Regardless of your age or current vision health, staying informed about potential eye health risks and scheduling routine eye exams can help detect problems early.

How to Protect Your Vision Year-Round

Caring for your eyes involves more than just attending an annual exam. By developing healthy habits, staying aware of vision changes, and making informed lifestyle choices, you can actively support your eyesight and reduce the risk of long-term vision issues.

Make Annual Eye Exams a Priority

Routine complete eye exams are one of the most effective ways to safeguard your vision. These exams not only detect refractive errors but also help identify early signs of eye diseases and even underlying health conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure. At Grene Vision Group, our advanced diagnostic technology allows us to catch potential concerns early, ensuring personalized treatment plans that help preserve your eye health and visual clarity.

Incorporate Healthy Vision Habits

• Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: To minimize digital eye strain, take a 20-second break every 20 minutes by looking at something 20 feet away. 

• Wear Protective Eyewear: Whether playing sports, working in construction, or handling hazardous materials, safety glasses or goggles help prevent serious eye injuries. 

• Use UV Protection: Long-term exposure to UV rays can increase the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Always wear 100% UV-blocking sunglasses, even on cloudy days, to protect your eyes. 

• Avoid Smoking: Smoking has been linked to an increased risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and optic nerve damage. Quitting smoking can significantly improve both your eye health and overall well-being. 

Support Eye Health Through Nutrition

A well-balanced diet plays a key role in long-term eye health. Nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and E, zinc, and lutein can help lower the risk of age-related vision problems. Some of the best foods for eye health include leafy greens, salmon, and citrus fruits. Additionally, staying hydrated is essential—drinking plenty of water helps prevent dry eye symptoms and keeps your eyes moisturized and comfortable throughout the day.

How to Avoid Digital Eye Strain

In today’s technology-driven world, digital screens are essential for work, education, and everyday life. However, extended screen time can lead to eye strain, discomfort, and fatigue. Fortunately, making a few small adjustments can help minimize these effects and keep your vision sharp and comfortable.

1. Optimize Your Workspace: Setting up an ergonomic workspace is key to reducing digital eye strain. Position your monitor at arm’s length and slightly below eye level to prevent unnecessary eye strain. Use curtains, blinds, or an anti-glare screen protector to minimize reflections and soften overhead lighting. Finally, maintain good posture by keeping your back straight and shoulders relaxed to reduce neck and shoulder tension while using digital devices. 

2. Take Breaks and Blink More: Many people blink less when using screens, leading to dry, irritated eyes. To prevent discomfort, follow the 20-20-20 rule and make a conscious effort to blink more often, which helps lubricate your eyes naturally. You can also try simple eye exercises, such as shifting focus between near and far objects or gently rolling your eyes to ease strain and tension. 

3. Manage Your Screen Time: Balancing digital device use and rest is essential for long-term eye health. Reduce blue light exposure by using blue light filters or enabling night mode settings on your devices—especially in the evening. Set screen break reminders or app notifications to encourage frequent pauses throughout the day and establish “screen-free” zones to allow your eyes to fully relax. 

How Grene Vision Group Supports Save Your Vision Month

At Grene Vision Group, we believe that protecting your eyesight involves more than just an annual eye exam—it requires ongoing education, proactive care, and informed lifestyle choices that promote long-term eye health. While Save Your Vision Month serves as a valuable reminder, our commitment to preventive eye care extends throughout the entire year.

Understanding how to maintain healthy vision is the first step in preventing eye conditions. Throughout Save Your Vision Month—and beyond—we provide expert guidance on essential eye health topics, including nutrition for eye wellness, reducing digital eye strain, UV protection, and recognizing early symptoms of vision conditions. Our team is dedicated to helping you make the best choices for your eye health by offering practical advice and personalized recommendations to safeguard your sight.

Many serious eye diseases, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, develop gradually and may not present symptoms in their early stages. That’s why routine comprehensive eye exams are crucial for early detection. At Grene Vision Group, we utilize advanced diagnostic technology to identify potential vision issues before they cause permanent damage. By catching concerns early, we can develop personalized treatment plans to help preserve and protect your vision for years to come.

Protect Your Vision with Grene Vision Group

Save Your Vision Month is a powerful reminder that eye health should be a year-round priority, not just something to consider when vision problems arise. Taking proactive steps—such as scheduling regular eye exams, adopting healthy screen habits, and staying informed about common eye conditions—can help protect your eyesight and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

At Grene Vision Group, we are committed to helping you maintain clear, healthy vision every day of the year—not just in March. Whether you need an eye exam, want to explore the latest advancements in vision care, or are looking for expert advice on maintaining long-term eye health, our team is here to support you. Make this Save Your Vision Month the start of a lifelong commitment to prioritizing your eye health. Schedule your appointment today and take the next step toward clearer, healthier vision!

Schedule Your Eye Exam