Your eye health is important, and consistent eye exams with your optometrist are a big part of maintaining long-term healthy vision.
But what should you do if you haven’t had an eye exam in years? The simple answer is to contact your eye care professional and schedule one as soon as your schedule permits. Eye exams are an essential part of preventive health care and can save you a ton of future stress and anxiety regarding your vision.
Let’s take a closer look at the importance of consistent eye exams, what to expect, and how they help.
What to Expect During Your Eye Exam
If you haven’t had an eye exam in years, then it’s time to visit your optometrist for a comprehensive eye examination. Regular eye exams are essential to help ensure your eyes are healthy and your vision is optimal.
During your eye exam, your optometrist will get to know your family health history, learn about different health issues you may have, and ask about any medications you may be taking. Your optometrist considers everything, including your lifestyle and work habits, to understand your visual needs.
Your optometrist will also check for refractive errors such as:
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
- Astigmatism
An eye exam also allows your optometrist to update your glasses or contact lens prescription. After getting your updated prescription, you’ll be able to browse a wide variety of frames and lenses to find the right pair for your unique style.
Eye Exam Frequency
Regular, comprehensive eye exams should become a part of your normal routine. Your eyes are unique, and they deserve dedicated care and attention.
It’s recommended that you visit your optometrist for eye exams annually to monitor prescription changes and check for any early signs of potential eye disease.
Your optometrist will work with you to prepare a personalized exam schedule based on your unique visual needs. If you’re at a higher risk of developing an eye disease, more frequent eye exams can be beneficial for prevention purposes.
Importance of Consistent Eye Exams
An eye exam is about more than just updating your prescription for glasses or contact lenses. An eye exam also allows your optometrist to check for any signs of developing eye diseases. Many eye diseases can develop without symptoms, so a regular exam schedule can make all the difference with early detection, which leads to earlier treatment and management.
As you age, your eyes can become more susceptible to the development of eye diseases like:
Your eyes serve as a window into your overall health, and regular eye exams can also result in early detection and treatment for other serious health conditions. Problems with your eyes and vision can sometimes signal issues in other parts of your body.
Some different conditions an eye exam can help detect:
- Brain injuries and neurological conditions
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Cancer
So what can you do if you haven’t had an eye exam in years? Scheduling a comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist is a great first step.
Putting Your Eye Health First
Consistency is key, and that’s also the case with eye exams. A consistent eye exam schedule can help you stay on top of your prescription, check for early signs of eye disease, and give your optometrist insights into your overall health.
Book an appointment at Avenue Optometry & Vision Therapy today to schedule your eye exam and put your eye health first.
