According to a recent survey by the Vision Council, around 75% of Americans need some form of vision correction. The bad news? This figure can be higher because a vast percentage of people don’t realize they have a vision problem. Regular eye exams are necessary for staying on top of your eye health.
Still not convinced? Let us make another attempt. Here are four reasons you should not skip your next appointment – and why you should get an annual eye exam this year.
Monitor Vision Changes
Many people get used to having their vision a little blurry. It’s not until they try their first pair of glasses that the world becomes crystal clear. An eye exam can uncover refractive errors, such as nearsightedness and farsightedness.
Ophthalmologists use a number of tests to check your vision, with the Visual Acuity Test being the most common. It involves a patient reading a standard eye chart from a set distance (usually 20 feet) to measure how clearly they can see.
Keep in mind that uncorrected vision leads to a plethora of issues, including:
- Headaches
- Dizzines
- Distorted sight
- Difficulty doing daily tasks
Getting an annual eye exam is more important if you already wear prescription glasses. It will help determine if your prescription needs an update.
Early Detection of Eye Diseases
Eye diseases are more common than you’d think. One of the primary reasons to undergo an annual eye exam is to detect eye diseases early before they can impact your quality of life. Some examples include:
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – it destroys sharp, central vision and affects the macula, a part of the retina responsible for vision.
Glaucoma – it is a group of diseases that impact the optic nerve and lead to high fluid pressure in the eye. Glaucoma is one of the primary causes of early vision loss.
Cataracts – it occurs when the eye’s lens becomes cloudy. Cataracts lead to blurry vision.
Your optometrist would take an in-depth history and closely examine the retina and the optic nerve. Some tests that determine eye health include:
- Ophthalmoscopy (Fundus Exam)
- Slit-lamp exam
- Automated vision field test
Check for Eye Strain
Eye strain is arguably one of the most common eye conditions, especially affecting those who spend long hours focused on a task. The main culprits are excessive screen time, reading, and even driving. Moreover, uncorrected vision, poor lighting, and glare can further exacerbate the issue.
Some symptoms of eye strain include:
- Headaches
- Soreness and irritation around the eyes
- Saggy eyelids
- Sore shoulders, neck, and back
While you can adopt healthy habits like the 20-20-20 rule, visiting an eye doctor is highly recommended. They will detect any underlying issues and provide guidance.
Monitor Overall Health
Eyes are the windows to your overall physical health. An annual eye exam can help reveal underlying health conditions, such as:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Heart disease
- Lyme disease
- Multiple sclerosis
Look at it this way: A common symptom of high cholesterol is a yellow or blue ring around your cornea. Moreover, abnormal blood vessels in the back of your eye can be a sign of high blood pressure.
Experts at eye care centers like Pearle Vision will conduct a thorough examination, allowing you to take timely action and prevent serious illnesses.
