Annual eye exams are critical to your overall health.

Look in the mirror. You've got one pair of eyes. They're pretty special, aren't they? Your teeth get cleaned. Your car gets an oil change. Your hair gets a trim. Maybe you even indulge in pedicures or other spa-like pampering. But how often do you think of your eyes unless something goes wrong? If you're like most Americans, not often enough.

Make no mistake: a simple thing that's good for your eyes – a complete exam, each and every year – is about a lot more than getting glasses or contacts. Many eye and vision problems have no obvious signs or symptoms. As a result, individuals are often unaware that problems exist. Annual eye exams not only help correct vision problems; comprehensive eye exams can also help diagnose the warning signs of more serious undiagnosed health problems such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Even if you don't need vision correction, you need that yearly exam.

Good vision is important for every member of your family.

Most people consider vision their most important sense. One in five people are at risk for vision loss, and preventive care could address many of the problems. No matter what their age, eye exams are vital to productivity and health for your entire family, from children to grandparents, and everyone in between.

Babies Did you know that eye care experts say children should have their first eye exam before they can even walk? That's right. The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends a six-month exam to make sure the baby's eyes are developing normally and to stop bigger problems down the road. After that, a yearly trip to the eye doctor will keep tabs on young eyes that can change fast.

Children About 80% of what we learn is through our eyes, yet one study shows a whopping 85% of America's pre-schoolers haven't received a vision exam by age five. And a pre-kindergarten exam is a must (don't assume school-offered vision screenings are enough). Studies also show that 60% of students identified as problem learners have undetected vision troubles. And according to the National Eye Institute, Amblyopia, or lazy eye, is the most common cause of visual impairment in childhood. The good news is that annual eye exams can protect your child's vision, their overall health and their education.

Adults We all know that over time our bodies change—especially our vision. As we age, we're more susceptible to cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. Detecting these conditions early can help keep your eyes and body healthy. Your eye doctor can look for more than vision problems; they can look for signs of serious health conditions like diabetic eye disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. A visit to your eye doctor won't keep you from aging, but it can definitely help protect your eyes and your overall health.

Eye exams are simple.

Eye exams are about a lot more than updating your eyewear prescription. During a preventive eye exam, your doctor will check all aspects of your vision, including the structure of the eyes and how well they work together. Based on the findings of the exam, your eye doctor will recommend a plan that's right for you. The good news is that eye exams are simple, and they typically take less than an hour to complete.

AAA Can Help You Save. Schedule your eye exam with one of the Show Your Card & Save® participating providers and save 30% on eye exams (valid at participating locations), complete pairs of eyeglasses and sunglasses and accessories. Plus save 10% on conventional and disposable contact lenses. To locate a participating location near you, visit www.AAA.com/discounts.

*Source: ThinkAboutYourEyes.com

Valid AAA membership required. Discount off tag price. Valid on multiple pairs. Frame and lenses purchase with valid prescription required. Eye exams available by Independent Doctors of Optometry at or next to LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Sears Optical and Target Optical in most states. Doctors in some states are employed by the location. Eye exam discount applies only to comprehensive eye exams and does not include contact lens exams or fitting. In California, optometrists are not employed by LensCrafters, Sears Optical and Target Optical, which do not provide eye exams. For LensCrafters, eye exams are available from optometrists employed by EYEXAM of California, a licensed vision health care service plan. For Sears Optical and Target Optical, eye exams are available from self-employed doctors who lease space inside the store. Eye exam discount applies only to comprehensive eye exams and does not include contact lens exams or fitting. Contact lens purchase requires valid contact lens prescription. At LensCrafters locations, contact lenses are available by participating Independent Doctors of Optometry or at LensCrafters locations.

Contact lens purchase requires valid contact lens prescription. Valid at participating LensCrafters, Pearle Vision, Sears Optical and Target Optical locations. At many LensCrafters locations, contact lenses are available by participating Independent Doctors of Optometry. In California, contact lenses are available from EYEXAM of California. Contact lens discount is not available online. Cannot be combined with any other offer, previous purchases, or vision and insurance plans. Some restrictions apply. Some brands excluded. See store for details. Void where prohibited. Valid at participating locations. The Sears trademark is registered and used under license from Sears Brands LLC. Target Optical® is a registered mark of Target Brands, Inc. used under license.