The Importance of Regular Eye Exam

Going to the doctor is never really something that you want to do.  It’s a mostly dreaded visit.  Even worse for some people is going to the dentist.  As a result, a lot of people only go to the doctor when they are feeling unwell or to the dentist when a tooth hurts.  The same thing happens when it comes to people’s vision.  They often only schedule eye exams when they notice a problem with their eyes or vision.  This is not a good practice.  Just as preventative visits with your primary care doctor or dentist are important, it is just as important to have preventative eye checkups.  

During a comprehensive eye exam, the doctor will check more than just the clarity of your vision.  They will evaluate the pressures of your eyes, look for any signs of damage to the cornea and retina, and look for any potential issues that could be connected with other medical concerns.  Reading the eye chart is just a small part of what the eye exam will look like.  The doctor will use tools to check for glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts and retinal detachment.  Additionally, the exam could indicate undiagnosed systemic issues like diabetes, high blood pressure, some types of cancers, and autoimmune diseases.  

For someone with health issues, annual eye exams are recommended.  For healthier adults, exams are recommended every two years.  Some offices offer virtual eye exams.  While these exams can offer convenience and allow for sooner appointment times, it is best to have an appointment in person with an eye doctor.  Virtual exams allow for a good refraction, but limits the ability for the doctor to complete a comprehensive exam that takes an in-depth look at your eye health.