Eye Exams: Why They're So Important
When you aren't having any problems with your eyes or your eyewear, it can be easy to not give a second thought to scheduling your annual eye exam. However, while procrastinating this exam may be tempting, it is extremely important to ensure that you schedule an eye exam each year since they are important to maintaining your eye health throughout all of your life stages. Here is some important information that you need to know about eye exams as they relate to your eye health and overall health.
Why Are Annual Eye Exams So Important?
Early diagnosis is crucial when it comes to vision care. By being able to catch an infection or disease of the eye early on through an eye exam, it is possible to begin treatment sooner rather than later. What this means is that you have an increased chance of improving your vision by getting prescription glasses and/or maintaining your eyesight as you get older.
Though annual exams are recommended for everyone, these exams are particularly important for individuals 65 years of age and older. These individuals are at higher risk of developing eye diseases like glaucoma and cataracts, but an annual visit to the eye doctor to receive a thorough eye exam can detect these issues before they get out of hand so the proper treatment can get started. In addition, eye exams will ensure that you have the proper eyewear for certain tasks like watching TV, reading, and/or driving.
Is There a Difference Between a Vision Screening and an Eye Exam?
You have likely heard both of these terms and assume that they are the same, but there is actually a significant difference. With a vision screening, you undergo a simple test that is designed to quickly yet effectively detect any significant issues with your vision. An example of this type of screening is the letter-reading test that you are often asked to take when you get your driver's license at the DMV. If you fail this vision screening, you are generally instructed to visit a local eye doctor to undergo a comprehensive eye examination since it is an indication that your visual acuity is less than 20/40.
With an eye exam, you undergo a much more in-depth exam that has the ability to detect major issues with your vision as well as catch eye-related diseases early on. Due to the fact that an eye exam can identify, diagnose, and offer professional options for treatment, it is recommended that everyone undergo this examination once annually — even if a vision screening at school or work is successfully passed — to ensure that your eye health is good to go.
For more information, contact your local eye doctor to schedule an eye exam.
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