National Eye Health Months

The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) is a global community and the world's largest association of eye physicians and surgeons founded with the primary aim to protect sight and empower lives by serving as an advocate for patients and the public, setting standards for ophthalmic education and advancing the profession of ophthalmology.

Every month, the AAO recognizes one or more observances which they dedicate to raising awareness about important eye health topics. The observances include the following:

January - National Glaucoma Awareness Month
During this period, the academy educates the public about the best defense against developing glaucoma and related blindness and encourage them to go for comprehensive eye examination.

February - Age-related Macular Degeneration/Low Vision Awareness Month
The Academy during AMD Awareness reminds AMD and low vision patients that their vision can be saved with recent treatment advances but early detection is very important.

March - Save Your Vision/Workplace Eye Wellness Month
The month for reminding employers and employees the importance of wearing eye protections that are certified and approved.

April - Sports Eye Safety/Women's Eye Health and Safety Month
The Academy uses this month to remind athletes all over the world that majority of sport-related ocular injuries can be protected by wearing proper eye protection.

May - Healthy Vision Month
Initiated by the National Eye Institute (NEI) in May 2003, the academy uses this month to encourage the public to make their eye health a necessary priority by following certain simple tips.

June - Fireworks Eye Safety & Cataract Awareness Month
During this month, the academy educates the public about devastating eye injuries that can be caused by fireworks. It also uses the month to remind the public that early detection and treatment of cataracts is paramount to preserve vision.

July - UV Safety Month
The academy reminds the public of the. Importance of protecting their eyes from the sun's harmful radiations with 100% UV-blocking sunglasses and broad-brimmed hats.

August - Children's Eye Health/Safety Month
The AAO provides useful information to educate the public on how to protect and preserve a child's eye health for life.

September - Healthy Aging Month
To bring attention to taking care of our eyes as we age, the AAO uses this month to create awareness of the signs and symptoms of vision loss and suggest methods to help elderly people preserve their sight.

October - Eye Injury Prevention/Home Eye Safety Month
The AAO educates the public on various ways to avoid eye injuries at home, workplace, during sports activities, etc. They also warn them against wearing costume contact lenses that are purchased without prescription from eye care professionals. This costume lenses can cause serious eye problems capable of morphing a fun Halloween night into a nightmare.

November - Diabetic Eye Disease Awareness Month
The academy uses this month to encourage patients with diabetes to take proactive measures in order to protect their eyes from damage associated with diabetes.

December - Safe Toys and Gifts Month
The AAO advises parents to be more cautious when buying holiday gifts for their children and recommend toys that. Doesn't  launch projectiles, such as BB guns and crossbows. They also offer safety tips on how to open champagne to keep New Year's celebration from turning tragic.

Source: www.aao.org