How often should I get my eyes checked?
Although most people recognize the importance of eye health, nearly half of individuals aged 23-38 feel they don't need an annual eye exam if they're not experiencing visible vision problems. Since many vision issues can be asymptomatic, the only way to accurately determine if you need vision correction or if there are other hidden health concerns is to visit your Optometrist annually for a comprehensive eye exam.
What’s a Comprehensive Eye Exam?
A comprehensive eye exam offers more than just the basic "Which is better…1 or 2?" question. When you visit your primary care doctor for annual check-ups, go to the DMV, or take the reading chart test at school, those are merely vision screenings. While these screenings provide a basic assessment of potential vision problems, they don’t fully determine if you need vision correction or if there are other underlying issues.
To be certain whether you need corrective lenses or to detect potential health risks, it's essential to have a thorough comprehensive eye exam annually. Your optometrist will evaluate the health of your eyes both externally and internally. With new technology, such as retinal imaging cameras, the doctor can access a detailed look inside of the eye.
With one internal image they can reveal early warning signs and symptoms of over 270 systemic and chronic conditions, including:
Diabetes: Diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy. Early detection and management are essential to prevent vision loss.
High Blood Pressure: Changes in blood vessels at the back of the eye can indicate hypertension, prompting further evaluation and control of blood pressure.
High Cholesterol: Deposits in the eye's blood vessels, visible during an eye exam, may indicate high cholesterol levels, which can increase the risk of heart disease.
Autoimmune Diseases: Certain autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, can show up in the eyes with symptoms like dryness, redness, or inflammation. An eye exam can help in early detection, leading to earlier treatment and better management of these conditions through referrals for specialized care.
AND MORE
In fact, getting a comprehensive eye exam is the only way to visualize the blood vessels behind the eye for issues without an x-ray, CT scan or invasive surgery. Statistics show one in five Americans say their Optometrist detected or diagnosed a non-eye related health issue.
Why Should I go?
Early Detection of Eye Conditions: Regular eye exams can identify eye conditions and diseases such as glaucoma, dry eye disease, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy in their early stages, often before symptoms appear. Early detection allows for timely treatment and can prevent vision loss.
Overall Health Monitoring: Eye exams can reveal signs of systemic health issues like high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. The eyes can often provide clues to broader health concerns that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Vision Correction: Annual exams ensure that any changes in vision are promptly addressed. Whether you need glasses or an updated prescription for contacts, regular check-ups help maintain optimal visual acuity.
Preventive Care: Regular eye exams help monitor and maintain eye health over time. This proactive approach can prevent problems from developing or worsening, ensuring long-term eye health.
Tailored Recommendations: Your eye care professional can provide personalized advice on eye care practices, such as proper use of corrective lenses, protection from UV rays, and managing digital eye strain.
Detecting Hidden Issues: Some eye conditions develop without noticeable symptoms. Routine exams are essential for detecting these hidden problems and addressing them before they become severe.
In-Person -vs- Online
You might have encountered apps or offices claiming they can replace a visit to the eye doctor. However, these online vision tests only address one aspect of a comprehensive eye exam—the refraction—to provide a prescription for glasses or contacts. This is similar to taking a blood pressure reading at a kiosk and expecting it to dictate a treatment plan. Online vision tests can provide inaccurate or misleading information, potentially giving patients a false sense of security and leading them to delay critical, sight-saving treatment. Comprehensive eye exams with your optometrist are crucial for preserving vision, as they are the only reliable method to accurately assess eye health, diagnose any disorders or diseases, and determine the need for corrective lenses.
Overall, annual eye exams play a vital role in maintaining not just your vision but also your overall health. You only get ONE set of eyes, why not take care of them?
If you have Vision Insurance, or even some Medical Insurances will cover your Comprehensive Eye Exam once a year, with little to no out of pocket cost. Don’t have insurance? No Problem! Most offices offer special Private Pay costs, or use your HSA/FSA to cover the cost. They may even cover your prescription glasses/prescription sunglasses! Our team at Redefined Eyecare can help with any additional questions and scheduling. Feel free to reach out via phone/text at (469)899-2007 or our website www.redefinedeyecare.com.
