You may easily remember when a roofer last repaired or replaced your roof or when you saw a gynecologist or dentist for your reproductive and oral health, respectively. But can you tell when you visited an eye doctor for an exam? You may perhaps not tell when you did it. Most people don't give the health of their vision the attention it deserves, mainly if they haven't developed major eye problems or don't wear prescription lenses. An eye doctor shouldn't perform an exam only when you develop eye problems. In fact, they should check your eyes regularly to help you maintain good eye health even in old age. Here are three questions to help you understand what eye exams are and their importance.
What Do These Exams Entail?
An eye exam entails several tests that help the eye doctor determine if you have healthy vision. It also helps them know whether you are at risk of developing eye diseases. You definitely improve your vision and avoid vision problems by prioritizing routine eye exams. The eye doctor detects vision issues early and offers timely treatment. Typically, most of these problems are easier to treat when detected early.
Why Should You Prioritize an Eye Exam?
It's one thing to know when your eyes should be examined, and it's another thing to understand why an exam is vital. An eye doctor performs several tests during the examination. First, they use the chart where they ask you to read certain words or letters. They also carry out a refraction test, which helps them determine whether they should prescribe a pair of glasses to help you improve your vision. This test also helps them know if they should schedule refractive surgery. The doctor also checks whether eye pressure is optimal and if there are any eye alignment issues. During a comprehensive exam, they examine inner structures, such as the retina or optic nerve, to check whether you have developed serious diseases like glaucoma.
When Should Your Eyes Be Examined?
Most people can't tell when they should schedule an eye exam. However, certain signs show you should see an eye doctor as soon as possible. For instance, the doctor should examine your eyes if they have never been examined or if it's several years since you scheduled another exam. Your eyes should also be examined more regularly if your parents, siblings, or other close relatives suffer from eye problems like cataracts or glaucoma. You should also prioritize an eye exam if your vision has deteriorated or you are experiencing other eye problems like double vision or floaters. Symptoms like pain, redness, and eye discharge indicate that an eye exam is critical.
Share