Regular Eye Exams are Important: What You Need to Know
Of course, we all want to maintain good eye health. But it is a little too easy to take this for granted. Many people will only visit the optometrist for an eye exam when they notice something wrong with their vision. In fact, it is far better to have eye exams on a regular basis. Regular tests can often detect potential problems long before any symptoms are apparent. This means effective treatment at the earliest possible stage. This is the best way to protect your vision and overall health.
How Often Should You Have an Eye Exam?
The frequency of eye exams varies based on age, overall health, and vision needs:
Children
A child should have their first eye exam at 6 months of age. This checks basic abilities such as pupil reflex and the ability to follow a moving object. The child should have additional eye exams at three and before starting school. After that, if there are no vision issues, children should have an eye exam every two years. If the optometrist does find any vision issues then they will advise on how frequently the child will need to have further eye exams. This is often once per calendar year.
Adults (18-60)
If you wear prescription glasses or contact lenses, then expect to visit the eye doctor once per year. This ensures your prescription remains accurate, as eyesight will change over time. If you have never needed glasses or contacts, then it is fine to visit the optometrist every 2 years.
Seniors (over 65)
After the age of 60, we generally recommend an eye test every year. This is because the risk of eye diseases, cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration, increases with age. It is best to catch and treat these problems as early as possible. These routine tests for seniors should be covered by Medicare. Specific conditions may or may not be covered.
People with Medical Conditions
Individuals with medical conditions, that might affect eyesight, such as diabetes, hypertension, or a family history of eye diseases, should have more frequent eye exams. Expect to see the optometrist at least once per year, or more frequently if recommended by a doctor.
What will the Eye Exam Show?
An eye exam is more than just a vision test. It involves a series of assessments that evaluate both your vision and the overall health of your eyes. Eye exams can detect a range of issues that may not show any obvious symptoms, at least not until the issue has become more serious.
General Vision Problems
The most common reason people seek an eye exam is to check for vision issues such as near-sightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), astigmatism, and presbyopia. These conditions can almost always be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or refractive surgery. People are usually glad to have these issues treated, and be free of the frustrations of compromised vision.
Eye Diseases
Eye exams are essential for detecting serious eye diseases that can lead to vision loss if left untreated. Some of the most common eye diseases that an eye exam can reveal include:
Glaucoma: A condition characterized by increased pressure in the eye, which can damage the optic nerve. Glaucoma often has no obvious or early symptoms. This makes regular eye exams all the more crucial for early detection and management.
Cataracts: Clouding of the eye's natural lens, leading to blurred vision. Cataracts develop gradually and are more common as people age. Eye exams can detect cataracts early on, allowing for timely intervention.
Macular Degeneration: An age-related condition that affects the central part of the retina (the macula), leading to loss of central vision. Early detection through eye exams can help slow the progression of the disease with appropriate treatment.
Systemic Health Conditions
In addition to vision problems and eye diseases, eye exams can also reveal signs of systemic health conditions that affect the entire body. These include:
Diabetes: Diabetic retinopathy is a condition in which high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision problems. Eye exams can detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy, often before any symptoms are noticeable.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure): High blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, leading to hypertensive retinopathy. Eye exams can reveal changes in the retina that may indicate uncontrolled hypertension.
Autoimmune Diseases: Certain autoimmune diseases, such as lupus and multiple sclerosis, can affect the eyes. Eye exams can detect inflammation or other changes that may signal an underlying autoimmune condition.
High Cholesterol: Deposits of cholesterol in the blood vessels of the retina can sometimes be detected during an eye exam, indicating a risk of cardiovascular disease.
Why Regular Eye Exams Are Important
Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining not just eye health but overall health. Early detection of vision changes and eye diseases can prevent permanent vision loss and improve your quality of life. Additionally, eye exams provide an opportunity to identify underlying health issues that may require attention from other healthcare professionals.
Even if you feel that your vision is fine, you could have an eye condition that doesn’t present symptoms until it’s in an advanced stage. By attending regular eye exams, you are taking a proactive approach to your health, allowing for early intervention and treatment.
Our Auburn Optometrist Family Eye Care
Regular eye exams play a crucial role in detecting vision problems, eye diseases, and even systemic health conditions. Optimal eyesight greatly benefits overall well-being. As a bulk-billed eye doctor, we can often provide Medicare-funded eye exams. So there is no reason not to have your eyes checked. Visit our dry eye clinic in Sydney at Boda Family Eyecare for comprehensive eye care services.
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