Importance of Routine Eye Exams

Everyone would agree that it’s pretty easy to forget to schedule an eye exam. After all, if you can see well, there’s nothing to worry about, right? Not exactly. It’s important to understand that many different eye conditions may not be noticeable to you but are actually already causing problems. A comprehensive eye checkup is crucial for several reasons. Here’s why routine eye exams are important:

• Early detection of vision problems. Changes in your eyes can affect your ability to see properly. Refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism, can be corrected. This is possible with prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses. Crossed or turned eyes can affect a person’s depth perception. If not treated, this condition can lead to amblyopia, which is a form of the eye misalignment. If your eyes have trouble focusing or don’t work together as a team, it can result in eye strain, headaches, and even affect your ability to read correctly. If not detected early, all of these can negatively impact your academic success or day-to-day activities.

• Prevent potential eye diseases. According to the National Eye Institute, millions of Americans have been suffering from different eye diseases. These include cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration. Some of these vision issues don’t show warning signs. So, by the time people start experiencing changes in their vision, the disease must have already progressed. With routine eye exams, your eye doctor can detect early signs of these severe eye problems before they even cause visual impairment or total blindness.

• Identify other medical issues. Aside from early detection of vision problems and severe eye diseases, an eye exam can also help catch signs of other health concerns. These include hypertension, high cholesterol, diabetes, thyroid disease, and some cancers. It might come as a surprise to some people, but a comprehensive eye exam can be as useful in determining your overall wellness just as any physical exam.

How Often Do You Need to Take an Eye Exam

The frequency for adult eye exams generally depends on your age. Here’s what the experts suggest:

• People who are 65 years old or older should take their routine eye exam once every year or two years.

• People aged between 55 and 64 should take their routine eye exam annually or every two to three years.

• People aged between 40 to 54 should take their routine eye exam every two to four years.

• People in their twenties or thirties should visit their eye doctor every five to 10 years.

However, patients with certain health conditions are exempted from the recommendations mentioned above. These problems include wearing corrective lenses or if you have been experiencing eye discomfort. You may also have to take your eye exam more frequently if you are suffering from a chronic disease that puts your visual health at increased risk and if you have a family history of eye disease.

Your eyesight is one of the most precious gifts that you should never take for granted. At Tri-City Optometry, we can help you stay informed and update you with any changes to your vision. Schedule your eye exam today in our clinic in Fremont, California. Call us now at (510) 602-2020 to make an appointment.