Eye exams are a crucial part of staying healthy, especially as you get older. If you’ve ever had a bad eye exam experience or just don’t know what to expect at the doctor’s office, you’re not alone!
Schedule Eye Exams Each Year
Here are some reasons why you should get yearly eye exams:
You’ll be able to address eye conditions that may affect your vision.
There are many eye conditions that can affect your vision, including glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Eye exams will allow you to address these issues before they become too serious. If you notice any symptoms of an eye condition such as blurred vision or changes in color perception, it’s important to schedule eye exam immediately. An eye doctor can then treat the issues at their earliest stages. You should also make sure you’re getting yearly checkups if you have diabetes or high blood pressure. Both conditions increase your risk of developing eye diseases like retinal damage (which could lead to blindness) or cataracts–and always report any new symptoms right away!
An eye doctor will assess other parts of your body.
The eye doctor will also be able to check for other health problems that can be indirectly related to your eye health. As referenced above, they can check for diabetes, high blood pressure, and glaucoma. They may even be able to tell if you’re at risk of macular degeneration or other vision-related diseases by examining the back of your eyes during an exam.
Your prescription might need updating.
Your eyes’ ability to focus can change over time, and this is especially true if you’ve had laser eye surgery. Even if your prescription has not changed, it’s important to get new glasses or contacts lenses every few years because they can become worn out or damaged.
Before buying a stylish new pair of glasses, just make sure you have the funds to cover the purchase. Oftentimes even with insurance you’ll have to cover the full cost upfront until insurance sends you a check back; if you’re upgrading your prescription, the cost can be even higher! Either way, having ample money in an online savings account is a good way to be prepared to make an important, and expensive purchase following your eye exam.
You can use extra time for tests and procedures.
If you’re getting your eyes checked, it’s likely that you have a lot of questions about what’s going on with them. The doctor will be able to answer most of these questions during the exam itself, but if there are any lingering concerns you might have after the exam is complete (and especially if they’re related to something else going on in your life), this can lead to additional appointments or even another visit altogether. Some examples include:
- A general checkup with an ophthalmologist who specializes in diseases affecting the eye or vision system; this includes glaucoma screening tests such as tonometry (measuring intraocular pressure) or gonioscopy (visualizing drainage angle).
- A consultation with an optometrist who specializes in fitting contact lenses; he or she may also offer prescription sunglasses tailored specifically for each patient’s unique needs based on his/her history of UV exposure levels over time – this is especially important if you are someone who spends a lot of time outdoors.
Regular eye exams are an important part of maintaining good overall health
Your eyes are an important part of your overall health. Regular eye exams can help you avoid serious vision problems and other health problems, including diabetes and heart disease.
In addition to helping you maintain good vision and avoid serious eye conditions, annual eye exams also give your optometrist a chance to check for signs of other medical conditions that may be affecting your overall health.
Ideally, you’re now convinced of the importance of getting a yearly eye exam. It’s easy to think that something as simple as an eye exam can’t help your overall health, but in fact it can lead to many positive outcomes.
About the Writer: Alexandra Wilson has been a freelance writer since 2019, covering topics ranging from personal finance to entertainment to travel. She enjoys writing pieces that inspire others. Alexandra is based in New York State.
