Pennsylvania HR 297: A Resolution recognizing the week of March 10 through 16, 2024, as "Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week" in Pennsylvania.

Bill Text

PRINTER'S NO. 2234
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE RESOLUTION
No. 297
Session of
2025
INTRODUCED BY SAPPEY, VENKAT, FREEMAN, HOHENSTEIN, CONKLIN,
M. MACKENZIE, HOWARD, NEILSON, HADDOCK, SANCHEZ, GALLAGHER,
COOPER AND RIVERA, AUGUST 20, 2025
REFERRED TO COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, AUGUST 21, 2025
A RESOLUTION
Designating the week of October 5 through 11, 2025, as "Healthy
Vision Week" in Pennsylvania.
WHEREAS, Prevention of eye issues and disorders is a key
health concern, yet the severity of developing myopia and other
vision-related problems is not realized by many individuals in
Pennsylvania; and
WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention (CDC), nearly 12 million people 40 years of age or
older have vision impairments, with 4.2 million Americans having
uncorrectable vision impairments, a number which is expected to
double by 2050; and
WHEREAS, The CDC also estimates that 93 million adults in the
United States are at high risk for severe vision loss, and only
half of these individuals have consulted an eye doctor in the
past year; and
WHEREAS, Nearly 80% of high school students do not sleep for
a medically recommended eight hours every night, which can lead
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to eye strain, dry eye and myokymia; and
WHEREAS, By 2050, it is estimated that myopia, also known as
nearsightedness, will increase to affect 50% of the world
population, with the condition increasing susceptibility to
glaucoma, cataracts and retinal detachment; and
WHEREAS, Approximately 30% of the world has developed some
degree of myopia, with 42% of the United States population
having myopia; and
WHEREAS, The average American teenager spends over eight
hours per day looking at screen media, which has increased by
nearly two hours from 2015 to 2021; and
WHEREAS, Exposure to blue lights from screens can lead to
increased eye strain or irritation, phototoxicity, macular
degeneration and melatonin dysregulation if viewed right before
sleeping, especially amongst developing children; and
WHEREAS, As screen usage increases in the learning
environment and at home, it is imperative to provide early
education and awareness to children and families regarding safe
eye practices, how to identify early myopia and proper eyesight
nutrition; and
WHEREAS, Every individual can benefit from learning more
about the risks of blue light and insomnia on eyesight, as well
as how important early prevention through screenings and proper
eye health can be; and
WHEREAS, It is crucial to promote the protection of eyesight
and to raise awareness regarding eye nutrition and developing
myopia in children; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives designate the
week of October 5 through 11, 2025, as "Healthy Vision Week" in
Pennsylvania.
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