Most people are busy, and it’s easy to put off scheduling an eye exam, 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 of which you may not be aware during an eye exam? 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 blood vessels, and serious health issues such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol can affect your blood vessels. 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.
Glaucoma is a disease that will damage sight and is known for its lack of symptoms in the early stages. Many people with glaucoma don’t even realize they have it! Glaucoma is called “the sneak thief of sight” for this reason. The only way to catch it early is by getting regular eye exams.
Diabetic eye disease can also cause vision loss in diabetics, and there may be mild or no symptoms in the early stages. Macular degeneration is another serious eye disease without symptoms in the early stages and that progresses gradually. By the time you notice vision loss, the disease is in an advanced stage, and there currently is no cure for it.
Don’t put off getting an eye exam until you notice serious changes to your vision. Prevent vision loss from eye diseases by getting regular eye exams.
3. 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 are all spending more time in front of digital screens these days, and the high visual demands of looking at screens throughout the day can stress your eyes and visual system.
Digital eye strain causes headaches, blurred vision, neck and shoulder pain, eye strain, and dry eyes. Symptoms can be worsened by improper viewing distance from the computer, poor lighting, and uncorrected vision problems.
Getting an eye exam will diagnose any vision problem and you may also need eyeglasses with special lenses to alleviate digital eye strain so that you have visual comfort and feel your best.
4. Your Vision Will Change Over Time
You may feel like your vision is fine, but your vision will change over time, and we can adjust to changes without being fully aware of it. Even small changes in your vision 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 to get an updated prescription. As mentioned, your vision will change over time, so even if you feel your vision is fine, you may be surprised to learn during an eye exam that it can be better with a change in the prescription!
Schedule an Eye Exam at Walter Eye Clinic
The doctors at Walter Eye Clinic in Tinley Park have the expertise and the latest in technology to provide high-quality eye health and vision care. Make your health and vision a priority and schedule an eye exam today!
