Whether or not you experience eye or vision problems, visiting your eye doctor every year is an important part of taking care of your eyes. Getting your eyes checked regularly can significantly reduce your risk of developing vision issues in the future. In this month's blog post, we'll uncover 8 reasons why going to your routine eye exam is crucial for maintaining good eye health.
1. Most Common Vision Problems Can Be Corrected
Whether you're nearsighted, farsighted, or just have dry eyes, your eye doctor can help! If you're struggling to view presentations in work meetings, or if you have difficulty seeing clearly when driving at night, you don't have to just live with it. With modern technology and advancements in corrective eyewear, most common vision issues can now be corrected with the help of an expert.
2. It's Important To Keep Your Prescription Up-To-Date
If you already wear corrective eyewear (like glasses or contact lenses), it's important to keep your prescription up-to-date to ensure that you are seeing clearly and comfortably. For instance, some people might think that since they're already wearing contact lenses, they're set! However, it's common for a person's prescription to change year to year, and with regular eye exams, you can be sure that you're seeing as clearly and comfortably as possible.
3. Routine Eye Exams Are Typically Covered By Insurance
If you have vision insurance, routine eye exams are likely covered under your plan. Plus, many vision plans also offer discounted rates on contact lenses and eyeglasses. So if you're already paying for insurance coverage, why not take advantage of the savings? Not only will you save money in the short term, but it can help you save money in the long term, as well. Speaking of…
4. An Eye Exam Can Detect Potential Trouble
With a comprehensive dilated eye exam, your eye doctor can detect warning signs of certain diseases and medical conditions such as glaucoma, cataracts, and even high blood pressure and diabetes. Early detection and treatment are key for combating these conditions, so getting a comprehensive eye exam could make a real difference in your overall health and well-being.
5. You'll Get Advice Tailored To Your Eyes
Though we love to give general advice on how to protect your eyes and practice essential eye care habits, the best, most personalized advice will always come directly from your Everett & Hurite eye doctor. It would be great if everyone would wear sunglasses all year long, wash their make-up brushes regularly, or wear appropriate eye safety gear like protective eyewear or safety glasses when doing certain jobs or hobbies, but your eye doctor can give you professional medical advice that's tailored specifically to you.
For instance, you might tell your eye doctor that your grandmother has age-related macular degeneration. Based on your family medical history, your eye doctor can give you advice about eating a balanced diet and getting regular exercise, as well as help determine what, if any, supplements or vitamins you should take to help reduce your risk of developing AMD. Or, maybe you stare at screens all day for your job and you're suffering from eye strain as a result. In addition to suggesting sufficient but diffused lighting for the workspace, your eye doctor might also prescribe blue light-blocking lenses.
Eye health is complex and highly individualized, so it's important to be proactive with preventative care. Your eye doctor can play an integral role in helping you do that.
6. You Could Have A Serious Eye Disease And Not Know It
Whether or not you have a family history of eye problems, you could still develop certain diseases like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, or age-related macular degeneration, and not even know it. There are many eye diseases that, in their early stages, have no symptoms at all.
That's why regular eye exams are so important—they can detect these diseases before they've progressed and potentially caused vision loss.
7. Early Treatment Is Essential
When detected early enough, an ophthalmologist can treat eye diseases quickly and help prevent further damage. For example, if glaucoma (a disease that affects the optic nerve and can cause irreversible vision loss) is caught early enough and managed properly, vision loss can be minimized before too much damage is done.
8. Keep Your Eyes Healthy For Life
The moral of the story? Regular eye exams are just as important for your long-term health and well-being as they are for maintaining healthy vision. With annual eye exams, you can take a proactive approach to protecting your eyes, preserving your vision, and keeping your whole body healthy. And that's something worth investing in!
The longer you delay treatment, the higher your risk for permanent vision loss.
Invest in Your Eye Health with Everett & Hurite Eyecare
At Everett & Hurite Eyecare Specialists, we are dedicated to delivering excellent eye care services. Our experienced team of specialists uses modern technology to provide comprehensive eye exams, diagnose and treat various eye conditions, and offer personalized advice tailored to your needs. Your eye health is our top priority, and we aim to provide the best possible care to all our patients.
Don't wait—schedule an appointment with the experts at Everett & Hurite today and make sure you're seeing clearly for years to come. We look forward to seeing you!
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age should I start getting regular eye exams?
It is recommended to have your first comprehensive eye exam around the age of 6 months. After that, regular eye exams should be scheduled throughout childhood and adulthood to maintain good eye health.
Can eye diseases go unnoticed without symptoms?
Yes, many eye diseases, especially in their early stages, may not exhibit any noticeable symptoms. Regular eye exams can help detect these diseases before they progress and potentially cause vision loss.
What can I expect during a routine eye exam?
During a routine eye exam, your eye doctor will perform various tests to assess your vision, check for refractive errors, evaluate eye health, and screen for potential eye diseases. These tests may include visual acuity testing, refraction, tonometry, and a dilated eye examination.
Can I wear contact lenses during a routine eye exam?
It's best to consult with your eye doctor regarding wearing contact lenses during a routine eye exam. In some cases, your eye doctor may ask you to remove your contact lenses before certain tests to obtain accurate results.
What are the signs that I may need an eye exam?
Some signs that you may need an eye exam include blurry or distorted vision, frequent headaches or eye strain, difficulty seeing at night, sensitivity to light, changes in color perception, and sudden changes in vision.
Can I drive myself home after a routine eye exam?
In most cases, you should be able to drive yourself home after a routine eye exam. However, if your eyes are dilated for further examination, your vision may be temporarily blurred, and it would be advisable to have someone accompany you or arrange alternate transportation.
Are there any preventative measures that can be taken to keep blood vessels in the eyes healthy?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure, protecting the eyes from UV radiation, and regular eye exams can help keep blood vessels in the eyes healthy.
