Millions of Americans have undetected eye diseases, which often have no noticeable symptoms until after significant damage to vision has already occurred.

Luckily, early detection and treatment can minimize the risk of serious vision loss.

May is Healthy Vision Month, and the Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology encourages the public to protect their healthy vision by making comprehensive, dilated eye exams part of their health routine.

To catch eye disease early, all adults should have a baseline eye disease screening by age 40, when early signs of eye disease may start to appear.

Ophthalmologists – medical doctors who specializes in the diagnosis, medical and surgical treatment of the eye – recommend comprehensive eye exams to detect diseases like age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy.

Based on the results of the initial screening, your ophthalmologist will prescribe the necessary intervals for follow-up exams. Some people may be at greater risk for eye disease and require more frequent eye exams.

Common risk factors include:

·Family History of Eye Disease: If a close family member has an eye disease, you may be at a higher risk for developing one as well.

·Smoking: Smoking increases your risk for developing cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. It also increases a person's risk for cardiovascular diseases, which also affect eye health.

·Abnormal Blood Pressure: High blood pressure increases the risk for AMD, and individuals with low blood pressure are at risk for glaucoma.

·Age: As people age, they become more susceptible to cataracts, AMD, glaucoma, and other eye diseases or conditions.

By age 65, it is important to have your eyes screened every one to two years, or as recommended by your ophthalmologist.

·Race and Ethnicity: Minority groups, including African-Americans and Latinos, are also at greater risk for developing eye diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy.

Caucasians are more likely to develop AMD.

"A dilated eye exam is the best way to monitor eye health and prevent potentially devastating vision loss," said Roger Zelt, MD, PAO president. "Too often, patients wait until they notice a change in vision to visit an ophthalmologist. By that time irreversible damage may be done.

Even if your vision seems perfect, you should see your ophthalmologist regularly so we can monitor your eyes and protect your vision."

If you or a loved one are age 65 or older, and haven't had an eye exam recently, you may qualify for an eye exam at no out-of-pocket cost through EyeCare America, a public service program of the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

To find out if you or a loved one qualifies, visit eyecareamerica.org.

For more information on keeping eyes healthy, visit geteyesmart.org.

To find an eye doctor in your area log onto paeyemds.org.

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Editor's note: The Pennsylvania Academy of Ophthalmology has been working to preserve and protect vision and eye health for Pennsylvania's residents since 1943.

With member physicians throughout the commonwealth, the PAO strives to be the voice of ophthalmology; making efforts to ensure quality eye care on the legislative and regulatory fronts, while building and maintaining relationships with major insurance carriers within the state.