Most people are busy, and it’s easy to put off scheduling an eye exam in Tinley Park, especially when you feel your vision is fine. Getting an eye exam is about more than your vision, though. Eye exams are a vital part of your health care and wellness.
When was the last time you got an eye exam? We’ll share five top reasons to prioritize your health, vision, and overall wellness by scheduling an eye exam.
1. Detect underlying health issues
Did you know that the eye doctor can spot underlying health issues in your body that you may not be aware of? Your eyes are a window to your health!
When the eye doctor examines your retina, the light-sensitive layer in the back of your eye, they have a direct view of the blood vessels. Changes in these vessels can reveal serious health issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol. Eye doctors have even spotted signs of tumors during eye exams!
2. Prevent vision loss from serious eye diseases
The best way to prevent vision loss from eye disease is by getting regular eye exams. Many serious conditions show little to no symptoms in their early stages, which is why early detection is important.
Some common eye diseases include:
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Glaucoma – Known as the “sneak thief of sight,” this disease damages vision slowly and often without symptoms until it’s advanced.
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Diabetic eye disease – Can cause vision loss in people with diabetes, sometimes with only mild or no early symptoms.
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Macular degeneration – A progressive disease that affects central vision. Because symptoms often don’t appear until it’s advanced, vision loss may already be significant by the time it’s noticed.
3. Alleviate the symptoms of digital eye strain
The American Optometric Association states that the average American worker spends seven hours a day on a computer, either in the office or while working from home. Even if you aren’t looking at a computer for work, we all spend more time in front of digital screens these days. The high visual demands of looking at screens throughout the day can stress your eyes and visual system, leading to digital eye strain.
Digital eye strain can cause a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including:
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Headaches
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Blurred vision
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Neck and shoulder pain
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General eye strain
Symptoms can be worsened by an improper viewing distance from the computer, poor lighting, and uncorrected vision problems. An eye exam can identify any underlying issues. In some cases, eyeglasses with special lenses may be recommended to relieve digital eye strain and restore visual comfort.
4. Catch subtle vision changes over time
You may feel like your vision is fine, but it will change over time. Often, we adjust to these changes without even realizing it. Even small vision changes can affect how you feel every day while working, driving, and engaging in other daily activities.
5. Get an updated prescription
If you currently wear eyeglasses or contact lenses to see, then you need regular eye exams to assess your vision and get an updated prescription. As mentioned, your vision will change over time. Even if you think your vision is fine, you may be surprised to learn that a change in prescription can improve it!
Are you overdue for an eye exam?
At Walter Eye Clinic, our eye doctors in Tinley Park have extensive expertise and the latest technology, allowing us to provide high-quality eye health and vision care. Make your health and vision a priority and schedule an eye exam today!
