It’s easy to procrastinate on scheduling an eye exam, especially if it seems your vision is fine. Getting regular eye exams is about more than your vision, though. A comprehensive eye exam is a key part of your overall healthcare! When was the last time you got an eye exam?
We’ll share the top 5 reasons to schedule an eye exam today!
1. Prevent Damage from Serious Eye Diseases
The first reason to get regular eye exams is to prevent damage from eye diseases. Some sight-threatening eye diseases have little to no symptoms in the early stages, and the only way to know you have them is by getting an eye exam. Glaucoma is a disease that has no symptoms in the early stages. For this reason, it is called the “sneak thief of sight” because many people don’t realize they have it until the disease progresses to the later stages.
Diabetic eye disease can cause vision loss in diabetics, and there may be mild or no symptoms in the early stages. Macular degeneration is another serious eye disease without symptoms in the early stages and progresses gradually. By the time you notice vision loss, the disease is in an advanced stage, and there currently is no cure for it.
The best way to prevent vision loss from serious eye disease is to get regular eye exams where they can be diagnosed and treated.
2. Eye Exams Can Detect Underlying Health Issues
Certain health issues, such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, can damage the blood vessels in your retina (the light-sensitive layer in the back of your eye). During a retinal exam, your eye doctor will be able to look for any retinal damage that could reveal signs of underlying health issues.
3. You May Have Digital Eye Strain
The average American worker spends seven hours a day on a computer either in the office or while working from home. If this describes you, you may be suffering from digital eye strain.
Looking at screens of various sizes throughout the day can cause headaches, blurred vision, neck and shoulder pain, eyestrain, and dry eyes. Improper viewing distances from the computer, poor lighting, and uncorrected vision problems can also exacerbate symptoms.
During an eye exam, your eye doctor can diagnose any vision problems and, if needed, prescribe eyeglasses with special lenses to alleviate digital eye strain.
4. Your Vision May Be Changing
It may seem like your vision is fine, but your brain accommodates changes in vision without you even fully realizing it. Small changes in your vision can affect how you feel every day while driving, working, and engaging in other activities. Seeing your best is an essential part of living a high-quality life!
5. You Need an Updated Prescription for Eyeglasses or Contact Lenses
If you currently wear eyeglasses or contact lenses to see, then you need regular eye exams to assess your vision and to get an updated prescription. As mentioned, your vision can change frequently. Even if you feel your vision is fine, your vision could be even better with a change in prescription!
Schedule an Eye Exam at Clarin Eye Care or Coral Gables Eye Care
The doctors at Clarin Eye Care and Coral Gables Eye Care have the expertise and the latest technology to provide high-quality eye health and vision care. Make your health and vision a priority and schedule an eye exam today!