See the Future Clearly
Celebrate National Eye Exam Month by Prioritizing Your Vision Health
8/18/2025
Dr. Charlie Ahrens, Aspirus Ophthalmologist
August is National
Eye Exam Month, a time to recognize how much your eyes can reveal about your
health. Many people wait until they notice changes in vision, but routine eye
exams can uncover medical conditions long before symptoms appear.
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. Many of these cases are preventable with early detection and
treatment. Eye exams can reveal signs of chronic health issues such as
diabetes, high blood pressure, and neurologic disorders, in addition to vision
problems.
“We are not just
checking your prescription or looking for cataracts,” said Dr. Charlie Ahrens, ophthalmologist at Aspirus Health. “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 65,
exams every two years are typically sufficient if no concerns are found. After
65, annual visits are recommended.
“I like that
ophthalmology lets me be both surgical and relational,” said Dr. Ahrens. “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.”
Eye exams remain one
of the most accessible ways to detect health issues early and preserve
long-term vision. Regular screenings help support early intervention and are an
important part of maintaining overall health as people age.
Appointments can be
scheduled with ophthalmologists and optometrists throughout the Aspirus system.
For more information or to find a provider, visit slhduluth.com/services/eye-care/
or aspirus.org/eye-care-surgery.
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