The EyeSmart™ public awareness campaign empowers Americans to take charge of their eye health. EyeSmart emphasizes the need for Americans to know their risk factors for eye diseases, infections and injuries, and how ophthalmologists can help prevent, diagnose and treat eye conditions. 

The campaign is sponsored by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, the world's largest association of eye physicians and surgeons - Eye M.D.s. A key partner is EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. In addition, more than 80 state, local and specialty ophthalmology societies are lending their support.

> Learn more about EyeSmart partners

Know Your Risks, Save Your Sight
By the year 2020, the number of eye disease cases will rise from 28 million to 43 million. At the same time, new research from the Academy finds that most Americans believe they are not at risk and are woefully unaware of the risk factors for eye disease.

EyeSmart will initially focus on raising awareness of five major eye diseases — age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, dry eye and glaucoma — and the rise of these diseases among the baby boomer generation. The goal is to limit the impact of eye diseases tomorrow by raising awareness of risk factors today.

As part of EyeSmart, the American Academy of Ophthalmology is also issuing a new recommendation to help people take better care of their eyes.

> Find out more about baseline eye disease evaluations at age 40.

Even if you’ve been healthy, your risk of age-related eye disease dramatically increases after age 40. Much like high cholesterol, colon cancer and breast cancer, the consequences of age-related eye disease can be dire and must be taken seriously.

One of the hardest adjustments anyone can make is adapting to living life with permanent vision loss. Losing your vision affects your ability to work, read, drive, see children grow up and countless other things. That is why maintaining your eye health is a critical component not just of your overall health, but of your daily way of life.