May is Healthy Vision Month

Two people in sunglasses looking at the Tidal Basin
Looking forward to a future of healthy eyes and inspiring views!

NPS/Diana Allen

What’s Your Vision of the Future?


This May, we’re teaming up with the National Eye Institute (NEI) to encourage you to make vision a priority for a lifetime.

That’s right, the NEI Healthy Vision Month campaign and our Healthy Parks Healthy People initiative are coming together to inspire people to take simple steps now to prevent vision loss later.

After all, healthy vision helps us enjoy gorgeous views — like at our national parks!

 

Check out three easy ways you can keep your eyes healthy:

  • Wear sunglasses (even on cloudy days)! Are you planning a trip to one of our parks? Don’t forget to pack your shades! Sunglasses can protect your eyes from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays and help keep your vision sharp.

  • Get plenty of physical activity! Regular physical activity comes with a lot of great benefits. It can boost your mood, reduce stress, help you stay at a healthy weight — and protect you from serious eye diseases. Time to schedule that hike in the park!

  • Protect your eyes at play! Next time you’re playing kickball on the National Mall or bicycling through Yellowstone National Park — remember to wear protective eyewear (like safety glasses or goggles)! Talk to your doctor to make sure you’re sporting the right kind of eyewear.

Help us spread the word about eye health this month by showing us your vision of the future! Use #MyVisionMyFuture on social media to share the steps you’re taking now to protect your vision in the future.

HEALTHY VISION FACT

Did you know that children who are regularly exposed to nature have a lower incidence of myopia (short-sidedness)? More time outdoors means fewer pairs of reading glasses!

Here’s the evidence:
Effect of Outdoor Activities in Myopia Control: Meta-analysis of Clinical Studies (Deng L., Pang Y. Optometry and Vision Science, 2019).
Time Outdoors and Physical Activity as a Predictor of Incidence Myopia (Guggenheim JA, Northstone K, McMahon G, et al, 2012).

Interested in learning more about how nature can make you healthier? Check out our Healthy Parks Healthy People resources page.

Last updated: May 17, 2019

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