ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — May is Healthy Vision Month, and eye care professionals are encouraging people to take preventive steps to protect their sight and detect disease early.

Many serious eye conditions, including glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease, can develop gradually with few or no early symptoms. Health experts say that by the time vision changes are noticeable, permanent damage may already have occurred.

Routine comprehensive eye exams are considered one of the most effective tools for early detection. Eye doctors say these exams can identify disease before symptoms begin, when treatment is often most effective.

Experts recommend several habits to help protect long-term vision. Those include scheduling regular eye exams even when vision appears normal, wearing sunglasses that block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays, and managing chronic health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, which can all affect eye health.

They also advise limiting digital eye strain by following the 20-20-20 rule — every 20 minutes, looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds — and maintaining a diet rich in leafy greens, colorful vegetables and omega-3 fatty acids.

“Many patients assume they only need an eye exam when their vision changes, but some of the most serious eye diseases develop silently,” one eye care expert said. “Preventive eye care is one of the best investments you can make in your long-term health.”

Health professionals say taking preventive steps and keeping up with regular screenings can help preserve vision and reduce the risk of long-term damage.