If you don’t wear glasses, you may think that getting your eyes checked is a waste of time. But, part of keeping your eyes healthy is prevention; and prevention only happens when you visit a doctor. Your eyesight is crucial to your quality of life and eye problems don’t always show themselves early on. It’s your job to make sure your eyes are healthy.
Here are four reasons why you should have regular eye exams:
1. Updating Your Prescription
If you have contact lenses or glasses, you will probably need changes in your prescriptions after some time. Your eye condition and eye shape change with age, and will require slight alterations to your prescription.
2. Detect Eye Diseases Early
Eye problems don’t always show themselves until they have reached a point of damaging your eye. At times, deterioration can be so gradual that you don’t notice the regression. Glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy have few, if any, symptoms in early stages. In these situations, a thorough eye exam can help detect these issues early on and action can be taken to prevent vision loss.
3. Doctors Can Monitor Changes
Your eyes are unique, and they may experience unique changes. When you have regular eye exams, it allows the doctor to notice changes—whether large or small—and treat accordingly. These changes may seem insignificant to you, but to your doctor, could be signs of underlying conditions.
4. Overall Prevention
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, they may be caused by changes to your vision:
- Headaches from straining
- Loss of focus
- Light sensitivity
- Infections
- Blurry sight
- Floaters
These may all be signs that you need glasses, a new prescription or even just an anti-glare coating on your lenses. It’s better to know the underlying cause of these than to deal with them on your own.
Your eyes allow you to work, play and enjoy life. It’s not worth the risk to lose your sight or increase discomfort. The good news is, eye exams aren’t frequent. If you are under the age of 40, we suggest visiting an eye doctor every two years. If you are over the age of 40, we suggest having your eyes checked once a year, especially if there is a family history of eye disease.
At Piedmont Eye Center, we care about you and your eyes! Contact us today to find out what we can do for you!