Dr. Madeline Romeu, spokeswoman for an educational campaign led by Transitions Optical, suggests making a resolutuin to have an eye exam in the new year.

"It's critical to have a yearly eye exam on your list," Romeu said in a statement. "Having healthy eyesight depends partly on genetics, but also depends on preventive care and seeking yearly eye examinations for everyone in the family -- particularly children. Developing good eye health habits early on means everything."

A recent survey, conducted by the New England Eye Institute and Transitions Optical, found nearly 80 percent of U.S. adults remain largely unaware of the dangers that extended exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays can have on their eyes, Romeu said.

Exposure to UV light is cumulative and has been linked to sight-threatening diseases such as cataract and macular degeneration, which are among the chief causes of blindness in America.

"Plan ahead," Romeu said. "Make the appointment now instead of waiting until January."