3 reasons why patients should get annual eye examinations

While most people associate eye exams with glasses and mild eye strain, they are vital checks against serious eye conditions. Covered by all basic medical plans, eye exams can help patients get a better idea of where they stand in terms of eye health and help safeguard against potential problems. We present here a few of those reasons. 

Detecting serious eye conditions early on

One of the tricky things about eye conditions is that patients don’t display many symptoms early on. Patients may live their lives believing that everything is fine when there is actually something seriously wrong happening with their eyes. 

Some potential issues include diabetic retinopathy (blood vessel damage in the back of the eye caused by diabetes), glaucoma (optic nerve damage caused by a litany of diseases), and macular degeneration (a condition that causes degradation of light-sensitive tissue in the eye).

Assessing the patient’s overall health

While the focus is primarily on the eyes, eye exams are an essential part of overall physical health. Optometrists ask about physicals to ensure that patients are getting their regular checkups. The blood vessels found in the back of the eyes shed light on potential diseases that manifest in other areas of the body, such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes. 

These diseases affect millions of Americans, making eye exams a vital step in preventing them. In fact, data shows that approximately 300,000 cases of diabetes were detected early on thanks to eye exams. More relevant to eye health, diabetic conditions can lead to partial or total vision loss in serious cases. 

Assessing common eye symptoms

Troubling symptoms such as headaches, eye strain, dry eye, and eye floaters can all be addressed during an eye exam. Patients who are dealing with them should get them checked out right away to prevent them from getting worse. 

Eye exams are also a good opportunity to talk to an optometrist about ways to protect the eyes. The sun’s ultraviolet rays and the blue light emitted from computer and phone screens lead to eye strain and other unwanted conditions over time. An optometrist can help patients find ways to reduce their exposure to these things and enjoy improved eye health. 

What is the takeaway?

Eye exams are a vital protocol not just for eye health but for our overall health. Getting a regular eye exam should be prioritized to the same extent as a checkup with a general practitioner. Optometrists can provide vital information regarding the patient’s current situation and potential problems that could crop up in the future.