Your vision is quite possibly the most important sense. Being able to see is critical in our daily lives- it’s part of our lifestyle and is often a necessary tool in our jobs. Most people do not feel that it is necessary to have any eye exam until they notice a problem with their vision. But this approach is not the best if you expect to have good vision throughout your life.

The Importance of Eye Exams

Routine eye exams are essential in preserving your vision and in determining the signs of other medical conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension. Effects of diseases such like these can be seen in the eyes first and are one of the easiest ways to detect these diseases because eye exams are painless and simple – your eye doctor does most of the work!

However, most people do not get their eyes examined until they notice vision impairment, and by that time, it may be too late. Early detection is the best way to prevent vision loss, and the earlier eye diseases/problems are detected, the more likely the condition can be reversed or at least the progression of eye diseases can be thwarted.

Many eye diseases do not have visible symptoms and by then your vision may be adversely affected. A comprehensive eye exam can detect problems that you may not be aware of. An early diagnosis of an eye disease can save your vision, and also save you money.

A comprehensive eye exam is not just for prescription changes. Your eyes signify your overall health as well. Many times your eye doctor is the first to diagnose systemic conditions.

Systemic conditions that can be detected through a comprehensive eye exam include: hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, multiple sclerosis, and even a stroke.

Along with systemic conditions, a comprehensive eye exam can detect eye conditions such as refractive errors, amblyopia, strabismus, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and presbyopia. Your eye doctor will also check how your eyes work together, your depth perception, and the ability of your eyes to focus.

During a comprehensive exam, your eye doctor will ask about your health and history such as current health problems, family history, current medications, lifestyle, and current eyeglass prescription. This will give him/her a better understanding of what risks are involved for potential eye diseases and/or systemic conditions.

How Often To Have Comprehensive Eye Exams

Your age and medical condition determines how frequently you should get your eyes examined by your optometrist or ophthalmologist.

It is recommended for most people to have an eye exam every one to two years. Shortly after birth, we should have our first eye exam at about six months. Children should then have an eye exam at the age of three and then before starting school, which will detect possible learning related visual problems. An exam every two years is advised up to the age of 60; at this age, a yearly eye exam is needed. If vision correction is needed, a yearly eye exam at any age is also advised in order to keep the prescription up-to-date.

Certain risk factors may mean an eye exam is needed more frequently- at least once a year. For children, certain factors for visual problems include prematurity, family history of genetic diseases, strabismus (crossed eyes), developmental delays, and complications at birth.

Adults should have annual eye exams if there is a family history of eye disease, if you have diabetes or hypertension, if you wear prescription glasses or contacts, if you have had an eye surgery or serious injury, if you are taking medications with visual side-effects, or if your job is visually demanding or hazardous, such as construction, metal working, sports, office clerical work, or any type of work where you spend many hours in front of a computer.

You only have one pair of eyes, so routine eye exams are the best way to ensure that they are healthy! No matter at what age, routine eye exams should be important to you. Don’t wait until you notice vision loss to get an eye exam. You may never regain what vision has been lost.