Protecting Our Sight: Save Your Vision Month and Native American Eye Health
Recognizing Save Your Vision Month
Every March, Save Your Vision Month serves as a vital reminder of the importance of eye health and regular vision checkups. Established by the American Optometric Association (AOA), this observance emphasizes preventive care, early detection, and vision preservation.
For Native American communities, this message is especially critical. Higher rates of diabetes and other chronic conditions put many Indigenous people at increased risk for vision loss, cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy—all of which can lead to blindness if left untreated. Raising awareness, encouraging early intervention, and improving healthcare access are essential to preserving sight for future generations.
The Growing Risk of Vision Loss in Native Communities
While vision problems can affect anyone, Native Americans face a higher burden of eye diseases due to several health disparities:
Native Americans are 2.5 times more likely to have diabetes than non-Hispanic whites (CDC).
Nearly 25% of Native Americans with diabetes develop diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness (National Eye Institute).
Glaucoma is 40% more prevalent in Native American populations compared to the general U.S. population (American Academy of Ophthalmology).
Half of all Native American adults over age 40 have cataracts, a leading cause of blindness worldwide (World Health Organization).
These statistics highlight an urgent need for preventive care, increased access to eye exams, and awareness campaigns to address vision health in Native communities.
Why Eye Exams Are Critical for Native Americans
Routine eye checkups are one of the most effective ways to prevent vision loss, yet many Native individuals lack access to regular screenings and eye care specialists. Vision problems often develop gradually and painlessly, making early detection crucial.
How Regular Eye Exams Help:
Detect diabetes-related vision damage early, before symptoms appear.
Monitor and manage conditions like glaucoma and cataracts, reducing the risk of blindness.
Identify other systemic diseases—eye exams can reveal early signs of high blood pressure, stroke risk, and autoimmune disorders.
Provide corrective vision solutions, such as glasses or contact lenses, for clearer vision and improved quality of life.
The CDC, WHO, and American Optometric Association emphasize that 80% of vision loss is preventable with early detection and treatment. Making eye health a priority can significantly reduce preventable blindness in Native communities.
Common Eye Diseases in Native American Communities
Understanding which eye conditions are most prevalent in Indigenous populations helps in recognizing symptoms early and seeking timely care.
1. Diabetic Retinopathy
Cause: High blood sugar damages blood vessels in the retina.
Symptoms: Blurred vision, dark spots (floaters), difficulty seeing at night.
Prevention: Blood sugar control, annual eye exams.
2. Cataracts
Cause: Aging, diabetes, prolonged UV exposure.
Symptoms: Cloudy vision, faded colors, glare sensitivity, halos around lights.
Prevention: UV protection, healthy diet, regular eye exams.
3. Glaucoma
Cause: Increased pressure in the eye damages the optic nerve.
Symptoms: Loss of peripheral (side) vision, eye pain, blurred vision.
Prevention: Early diagnosis, pressure-reducing eye drops, lifestyle changes.
4. Macular Degeneration
Cause: Age-related damage to the central part of the retina (macula).
Symptoms: Difficulty reading, distorted vision, dark spots in central vision.
Prevention: Healthy diet rich in leafy greens, eye vitamins, routine exams.
5. Refractive Errors (Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, Astigmatism)
Cause: Genetics, prolonged screen exposure, aging.
Symptoms: Blurred vision at a distance or near, headaches, eye strain.
Prevention: Regular vision tests, glasses/contact lenses, proper screen breaks.
How to Protect Your Vision: Simple Steps for Eye Health
To reduce the risk of eye diseases and protect long-term vision, Native individuals can take proactive steps:
Schedule an Annual Eye Exam – Early signs of disease can be detected before symptoms appear.
Control Blood Sugar and Blood Pressure – Essential for preventing diabetic eye disease and hypertension-related vision loss.
Wear Sunglasses with UV Protection – Helps prevent cataracts and macular degeneration.
Eat a Nutrient-Rich Diet – Foods high in Omega-3s, Vitamin A, and antioxidants support eye health.
Limit Screen Time & Take Breaks – Reduces eye strain and dryness from excessive digital device use.
Know Your Family History – Awareness of genetic risk factors can guide prevention efforts.
By making small lifestyle changes and prioritizing eye care, Native communities can take powerful steps toward preventing vision loss and improving overall health.
A Future of Clear Vision: The Importance of Advocacy & Awareness
Save Your Vision Month is more than just a reminder to schedule an eye exam—it’s a call to action for Native communities to prioritize vision health, seek regular care, and advocate for increased access to eye health resources.
Tribal health organizations, federal programs like IHS, and local clinics offer vision screenings and assistance for Native communities.
Advocacy for more funding, mobile eye clinics, and culturally competent care can help close the vision care gap for Indigenous people.
With increased awareness, education, and access to preventive care, we can ensure that future generations of Native Americans maintain healthy vision and a better quality of life.
Get Involved: Protect Your Vision and Your Community
Schedule an eye exam for yourself and encourage family members to do the same.
Spread awareness about Save Your Vision Month in your community.
Advocate for better access to eye health services in tribal areas.
Share resources from WHO, CDC, and local health organizations on social media.
Vision is a gift that should never be taken for granted—let’s protect and preserve it for ourselves, our families, and future generations.
