Many serious eye diseases are preventable — but only if you know what puts you at risk. This interactive guide helps you understand your personal risk profile and what steps to take today.
After age 40, the risk for cataracts, glaucoma, AMD, and diabetic retinopathy rises significantly. After 60, most people begin to experience some degree of vision change.
People with diabetes are at very high risk for diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma. High blood sugar damages blood vessels in the retina, sometimes with no early warning signs.
Genetics play a major role in glaucoma, macular degeneration, and refractive errors. If a parent or sibling has glaucoma, your risk is 4–9 times higher than the general population.
Prolonged UV exposure accelerates cataract formation and raises the risk of AMD and other eye cancers. People who spend significant time outdoors without UV-protective eyewear are at elevated risk.
Hours of screen time per day reduces blink rate by up to 50%, leading to chronic dry eye, headaches, and blurred vision. Children are especially vulnerable as screens become part of education.
Smokers are 2–4 times more likely to develop AMD and cataracts. Smoking damages blood vessels throughout the body — including the tiny vessels in the retina — accelerating degeneration.
Regular professional exams at the right ages catch problems before they become irreversible.
Newborns should be checked by a pediatrician. Children aged 3–4 should receive a formal vision test to catch amblyopia, strabismus, and congenital conditions early while they're still treatable.
Myopia (nearsightedness) progresses rapidly during school years. Annual vision testing helps ensure children can see the board, read, and perform physically without strain.
Establish a baseline eye health record. Those with risk factors (diabetes, family history, medications) should be seen annually. Everyone else every two years.
Glaucoma, AMD, diabetic retinopathy, and cataracts all begin to emerge in this window. Annual dilated exams become critical. Presbyopia (reading difficulty) also typically begins.
The risk for all major eye diseases peaks. More frequent monitoring, Amsler grid home tests, and prompt reporting of any vision changes to your eye doctor are essential.
Use our clinically-designed vision charts to do a quick baseline check — for you and your whole family.
Take the Free Eye Test →Check all that apply to estimate your general eye health risk level.