ATLANTA—The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and its Vision Health Initiative are partnering with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) National Eye Institute this month to observe Healthy Vision Month. The May 2013 theme, “Healthy Vision: Make It Last a Lifetime” is intended to raise awareness of vision health as a long term priority.

In its ongoing effort to encourage prevention and control of eye diseases, eye injury and vision loss resulting in disability and in support of the May initiative, the Vision Health Initiative (VHI) portion of the CDC website has dedicated a Healthy Vision Month section offering information on vision loss in the U.S., solutions for protecting vision and tips for long term care.

A 2010 study from the National Eye Institute cited that approximately 4 million people in the U.S. age 40 and over had vision impairment, with 13 million projected to experience vision impairment, including low vision and blindness, by 2050.

To prevent vision impairment and maintain healthy vision, the CDC recommends regular comprehensive dilated eye exams, knowing family eye health history and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For more information visit cdc.gov/Features/HealthyVision.