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# Where can I learn about protecting my eyesight?
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/protecting_my_eyesight_1905100845/
- Published: 2010-05-19T21:45:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T16:11:24.000Z
- Description: A resource guide on vision impairment, eyesight that cannot be corrected to a normal level. Age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and glaucoma lead the U.S. causes, and regular comprehensive eye exams with prompt treatment can prevent some vision loss.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Lifestyle, Health News, #vivvo-import

Vision impairment, or low vision, means that even with eyeglasses, contact lenses, medicine or surgery, a person's eyesight cannot be corrected to a "normal" level. Vision impairment severity may be categorized differently for certain purposes. In the United States, for example, the term "legal blindness" is used to indicate that a person is eligible for certain education or federal programs. Legal blindness is defined as a [visual acuity](http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003396.htm?ref=foodconsumer.org) of 20/200 or worse, with the best possible correction, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less. 

The leading causes of vision impairment and blindness in the United States are age-related eye diseases such as [macular degeneration](http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/maculardegeneration.html?ref=foodconsumer.org), [cataracts](http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/cataract.html?ref=foodconsumer.org) and [glaucoma](http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/glaucoma.html?ref=foodconsumer.org). Other eye disorders, eye injuries and birth defects can also cause vision loss.

Sometimes, vision loss is preventable. Regular comprehensive eye exams and prompt treatment are important factors in preventing vision loss. You may also wish to [find an eyecare professional](http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/findprofessional.asp?ref=foodconsumer.org).

For more information, please visit the following resources:

- The [National Eye Institute (NEI)](http://www.nei.nih.gov/?ref=foodconsumer.org) offers a wealth of [health information](http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/?ref=foodconsumer.org) on their website about eye disease. They also offer a guide to finding [financial aid for eye care](http://www.nei.nih.gov/health/financialaid.asp?ref=foodconsumer.org).
- The [Food and Drug Administration (FDA)](http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa%5Fict.cfg/php/enduser/std%5Fadp.php?p%5Ffaqid=4319&p%5Fsid=USIalj%2Aj&p%5Flva=8069&ref=foodconsumer.org) offers information about [contact lenses](http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/HomeHealthandConsumer/ConsumerProducts/ContactLenses/?ref=foodconsumer.org), [LASIK eye surgery](http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/SurgeryandLifeSupport/LASIK/?ref=foodconsumer.org), and [Phakic Intraocular Lenses](http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/ImplantsandProsthetics/PhakicIntraocularLenses/?ref=foodconsumer.org) on their website.

**Health Observances:**

- March is [Save Your Vision Month](http://www.aoa.org/x5072.xml?ref=foodconsumer.org), a time to encourage citizens to take the steps necessary to protect their vision.
- May is [Healthy Vision Month](http://www.healthyvision2010.nei.nih.gov/hvm/?ref=foodconsumer.org), designated to promote the importance of getting eye exams.
- October 8, 2009, was World Sight Day, designated to focus attention on the global issue of avoidable blindness and visual impairment.
- October 15 was White Cane Safety Day.

**Additional Resources:**

- [Federal Tax Materials and Assistance for the Disabled](http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa%5Fict.cfg/php/enduser/std%5Fadp.php?p%5Ffaqid=6389&p%5Fsid=USIalj%2Aj&p%5Flva=8069&ref=foodconsumer.org)
- [National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped](http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa%5Fict.cfg/php/enduser/std%5Fadp.php?p%5Ffaqid=6843&p%5Fsid=USIalj%2Aj&p%5Flva=8069&ref=foodconsumer.org)
- [The National Federation for the Blind](http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa%5Fict.cfg/php/enduser/std%5Fadp.php?p%5Ffaqid=445&p%5Fsid=USIalj%2Aj&p%5Flva=8069&ref=foodconsumer.org)
- [The American Council of the Blind](http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa%5Fict.cfg/php/enduser/std%5Fadp.php?p%5Ffaqid=443&p%5Fsid=USIalj%2Aj&p%5Flva=8069&ref=foodconsumer.org)
- [The American Foundation for the Blind](http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa%5Fict.cfg/php/enduser/std%5Fadp.php?p%5Ffaqid=444&p%5Fsid=USIalj%2Aj&p%5Flva=8069&ref=foodconsumer.org)

By usa.gov team