Download Helping the world see - Eye site on wellness

See a brighter future with annual eye exams
Eye exams aren’t just about getting new glasses or contacts. For optimal vision and
overall health, you should get one every year.
In fact, eye exams play an important role in your overall wellness. Besides measuring
your vision, regular eye exams can help identify early signs of certain chronic health
conditions, including high blood pressure, diabetes, heart
A vision for a healthier world
disease and high cholesterol.1
We’re proud to support OneSight, a
nonprofit providing access to quality
So here’s what you can expect. During an eye exam, your
doctor will check all aspects of your vision, including your eyes’ vision care and eyewear in
underserved communities
structure and how well the eyes work together. Based on the
worldwide. Since 1988, OneSight has
exam results, your doctor will recommend a solution that’s
helped more than 8.5 MM people in
right for your eye health and vision care needs. Annual eye
40 countries. And, each year,
exams also enable your doctor to monitor the health of your
EyeMed associates travel
eyes and track any changes from year to year.2 For example,
the globe to volunteer their skills
subtle changes in the retina can be a warning sign of high
and expertise to staff OneSight’s
blood pressure.3
charitable and sustainable programs.
So even if you don’t need vision correction, it’s important to
take charge of your eye care. When you get your eyes checked every year, you’re
helping your eyes – and potentially your whole body – stay well.
1 American Academy of Ophthalmology, “Frequency of Ocular Examinations,” 2009.
2 American Optometric Association, “Comprehensive Eye and Vision Examination,” 2010.
3 Harvard Medical School, “Eye Exams, High Blood Pressure Symptoms & Diabetes Symptoms,” 2005.
What do your eyes say about your health?
Annual eye exams reveal so much more than vision correction needs. They actually detect early
signs of all kinds of diseases and health conditions – from high blood pressure and high
cholesterol to glaucoma and diabetes. A few minutes at the eye doctor can reveal tremendous
insights into:

High blood pressure
During a comprehensive eye examination, your eye doctor checks for the many subtle
changes in the retina resulting from high blood pressure, a condition known as
hypertensive retinopathy.

Glaucoma
This condition develops when increased fluid pressure in the eyes damages the nerve
fibers in the optic nerve and retina – and it can eventually mean a total loss of vision. If
it’s detected and treated early, glaucoma’s progression can be slowed or even stopped.

Thyroid eye disease
Thyroid eye disease, also called Graves' eye disease, is the manifestation of
hyperthyroidism on the structures of the eyes. An annual eye exam can help with early
detection and treatment.

Heart conditions
The eye is one of the only areas of the body where doctors have an unobstructed view
of blood vessels. A full eye examination may reveal the first signs of serious heart
conditions, including high blood pressure—before symptoms show up elsewhere in the
body.

Diabetic retinopathy
Because its initial symptoms are very slight or even unnoticeable, diabetic retinopathy
often goes undiagnosed until it’s too late. However, when your eye doctor dilates your
eyes, he or she can check your blood vessels for signs of damage and early diagnosis.
Your eyes say a whole lot about you. Make sure to get an eye exam every year so that you’re
staying on top of your health for a long and happy life.
Ensure a crystal clear future
Our vision changes a lot as we age – which means visiting the eye doctor once a year is
critical to up-to-date prescriptions. What’s more, there are millions of Americans with
vision correction needs who don’t even know it. Dr. John Lahr, medical director and
divisional vice president of EyeMed Provider Relations gives us 10 signs you might need
an eye exam.
1. Blurred close-up vision, indicating farsightedness (hyperopia)
2. Poor distance vision, or nearsightedness (myopia)
3. Difficulty seeing objects both close up and at a distance (astigmatism)
4. Difficulty seeing at night
5. Increased difficulty adjusting from dark to light surroundings
6. Difficulty in reading or working at a computer
7. Eye strain or eye fatigue
8. Frequent headaches
9. Double vision
10. Seeing halos around light
Yearly eye exams are the best way to ensure vision problems are detected and treated
early. In the meantime, be on the lookout for any signs your eyes may be giving you.
Helping the world see
EyeMed is proud to be a sponsor of OneSight – a nonprofit organization dedicated to
eradicating the global vision care crisis. Since 1988, OneSight has helped more than 8.5
MM people in 40 countries, and they are building sustainable vision centers to provide
permanent access to care in West Africa and in North America.
Every year EyeMed associates travel around the world and across the United States to
volunteer their expertise and skills to staff OneSight clinics. We are also proud to
sponsor OneSight’s Vision Van, EyeLeen, a 40-foot mobile optical facility with state-ofthe-art exam and lab equipment. Our team also volunteers to provide vision screenings
for all Cincinnati Public School students annually as part of our commitment to give back
to the community near our headquarters.
We believe all people deserve access to quality vision care. To learn more about our
participation with OneSight, visit OneSight.org.