Aug. 22, 2024 — The American Optometric Association (AOA) has introduced "The Eye," an educational prototype designed to draw comparisons between the latest technological innovations and the advanced capabilities of human vision. This initiative is part of the AOA's ongoing "Eye Deserve More" awareness campaign, which emphasizes the importance of comprehensive, in-person eye care as a critical component of overall health.

"With the increasing reliance on technology, people are spending more time on their screens which can lead to digital eye strain and cause significant discomfort," says Belinda R. Starkey, O.D., member of the AOA Board of Trustees. "Maintaining eye health is vital at every stage of life to prevent vision loss and enhance overall wellbeing. Our Eye Deserve More campaign and The Eye serve as powerful reminders that our eyes are one of the most valuable assets we have."

The Eye serves as a conceptual tool to help individuals appreciate the complexity of their vision and the significance of routine eye care. It highlights the eye’s ability to process vast amounts of information, recall images, and detect more than 270 health conditions with the assistance of an eyecare provider, showcasing how the human visual system surpasses even the most advanced modern technology: “The latest smartphones on the market don't even come close to what our visual system can do—in comparison to 8 gigabytes of RAM and 48 megapixels, the visual system boasts 2.5 million gigabytes of RAM3 and 576 megapixels,” the AOA shares.

For more information on The Eye and the Eye Deserve More campaign, visit SeeTheEye.com.