Why You Shouldn't Put Off Visiting An Eye Doctor
The idea of going to an eye doctor can seem so minor that it's easy for people to put off scheduling appointments. This is particularly true if you've had good vision your whole life and come from a family full of people with good eyesight. However, it's a mistake to put off an optometrist appointment for weeks or even months. There are at least four good reasons why everyone should keep their eye doctor appointments.
Early Intervention
An optometrist is often the first line of defense when it comes to screening for a variety of diseases. If you've ever been to an eye doctor and had them dilate your pupils using drops, there's a good chance they performed a screening for diabetes. Eye doctors also can screen for many neurological issues, including ones associated with brain damage and cancer. These are all progressive disorders so catching them as soon as possible is critical.
Headaches
People often assume a headache is just a small problem, even if they have headaches several times per week. However, there are numerous reasons why an eye doctor might be the right practitioner to catch a problem associated with headaches. Foremost, the headaches may be caused by eye strain because a person needs vision correction. As previously noted, there is also a possibility that a person could have a neurological issue, and checking how their eyes respond is often the first way to detect a problem.
Development and Aging
Individuals at all points in the development and aging spectrum should schedule regular optometrist visits. With children, it's important to monitor the development of their vision for early intervention. If a kid has blurred vision, for example, that can significantly hold back their performance in school. A small correction of a kid's sight could make years of difference in their education. That is particularly important in the earliest years when kids are learning letters and numbers.
Similarly, it's wise to monitor a person's eyesight as their age progresses. People in their 40s are at heightened risk of developing cataracts, and nearly half of all Americans will have cataracts or have had them surgically removed by age 80.
Quality of Life
Good vision is important to a person's general quality of life. People who can't see well struggle to socialize and can often become depressed due to reduced interactions with others, for example. Vision is also essential for simple pleasures like reading, using your phone, or watching a movie. An eye doctor will strive to ensure your vision stays as healthy as possible.
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