20/20 at 40

“20/20 at 40” is a Prevent Blindness national public awareness program, encouraging working-age adults to take control of their own eye health.  Its message is simple:  Absent previous signs, symptoms or risk factors, Prevent Blindness encourages all Americans to get a baseline eye exam by an ophthalmologist or optometrist at the age of 40, and regular eye care thereafter as directed by your eye care provider.

This is an age when indicators of reduced vision and/or poor eye health begin to become more prominent. One common eye problem, presbyopia, is a decreased elasticity of the lens due to advancing age which moves the near point of vision farther from the eye, making it difficult to focus on near objects (farsightedness).

This message does not aim to replace recommendations for earlier eye care to treat previously existing disease or injury, or for vision examinations for eye glasses or contact lenses.  Those individuals who show any symptoms of eye disease, including common risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or family history of eye disease are encouraged to consult with an eye care provider as early as possible to determine how frequently they should be examined.

Our eyesight is highly valued; it is central to success in school and work, as well as in socialization and retaining independence. Eye health problems have a strong correlation to other public health concerns (diabetes, smoking, depression, falls, etc.). Vision challenges are also largely related to public health concerns such as access to care, health inequalities, cultural competency, healthy literacy, etc. This is a growing problem that must be addressed.

Common Adult Eye Diseases That Often Begin to Impact the American Public at age 40:

Diabetic Retinopathy