Vision is something many of us take for granted. If we are able to see well and don't notice any problems with our vision, we may even skip our annual eye exam. This is a mistake. No matter your age or state of your vision, it's important to have an optometrist examine your eyes every year. Here are five important reasons to have yearly eye exams:
Detect Eye Diseases
One of the most important reasons to see an eye doctor once a year is to check for eye diseases. An optometrist can detect early signs of glaucoma, cataracts and other eye diseases that lead to vision loss. If an eye disease is detected in the early stages, it is easier to treat.
Detect Changes in Vision
It is not uncommon for someone's vision to change over time. If your vision has changed and you wear glasses, a new prescription is likely necessary. Wearing an incorrect prescription can lead to headaches, eye fatigue, and other unpleasant symptoms. Your eye doctor can check for vision changes and recommend the appropriate prescription.
Screen for Cancer
Cancer can strike in many parts of your body, including your eyes. During an eye exam, your optometrist will check for tumors in the iris, retina and optic nerve of your eyes. The idea of getting diagnosed with cancer is scary to think about, but early detection can greatly improve your chances of getting it cured.
Prescribe Glasses or Contacts
If you have trouble reading small letters or seeing objects far away, your vision isn't as good as it used to be. Luckily, you have the option of wearing glasses or contacts to improve your vision. During your eye exam, your eye doctor can help you determine if glasses or contacts are right for you.
Find Other Diseases
A routine eye exam can help you learn a lot more about your overall health as well. During an eye exam, an eye doctor is able to detect much more than eye diseases. He or she can also check for signs of other chronic health conditions, like high blood pressure and heart disease.
As you can see, it is very important to get your eyes checked at least once a year. Even if your eyesight seems perfectly fine, your eye doctor can detect symptoms of eye diseases that you missed. If you suffer from diabetes, you may need to go to the eye doctor more often.
