SC Wisconsin News

August is National Eye Exam Month, a time when health professionals encourage the public to focus on vision care as an important part of overall health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 3.4 million Americans aged 40 and older are either blind or visually impaired, with many cases considered preventable through early detection and treatment.

Routine eye exams do more than check for changes in vision; they can also uncover medical conditions that may not yet show symptoms. Dr. Charlie Ahrens, an ophthalmologist at Aspirus Health, explained: “We are not just checking your prescription or looking for cataracts. We are also evaluating the overall health of your body. The eyes give us a clear look at how systems like your heart and brain might be functioning.”

For adults under age 65 who have no current concerns, eye exams every two years are generally recommended. After age 65, annual visits become important to monitor both vision and general health.

Dr. Ahrens added: “I like that ophthalmology lets me be both surgical and relational. You form long-term connections with patients and their families. It is like primary care for the eyes, and I get to help people in a way that is both clinical and personal.”

Regular screenings support early intervention by detecting problems before they advance, helping preserve sight and identify other health issues related to aging.

Appointments for eye exams can be made with ophthalmologists or optometrists within the Aspirus system. More information about services is available at slhduluth.com/services/eye-care/ or aspirus.org/eye-care-surgery.