Why it is Important to get a Routine Eye Exam

When scheduling health appointments, you should not overlook eye exams. Unfortunately, most people only schedule eye exams when they suspect a vision problem. Others assume that a basic visual screening is adequate.

Scheduling a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist is essential for overall eye health. Apart from detecting existing eye issues, eye exams are preventive. You should understand why routine eye exams are important.

Comprehensive Eye Exams

Unlike vision screenings that are quick and are used to check for vision problems, eye exams are more comprehensive. The exams go beyond trying to determine if an individual’s sight is simply 'good'. Eye exams are conducted by optometrists or ophthalmologists, and they include vision screenings as well as other tests.

The specialists use a series of tests to evaluate the patient’s eye health. During the exam, the doctor will look for signs of serious eye conditions. These include macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and more.

Eye Exam Frequency

Routine eye exams are essential regardless of the individual’s visual acuity. The exams can help detect serious eye issues at an early stage when treatment is most effective. The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends eye exam frequency based on an individual’s age.

The older an individual is, the more often they should go for an eye examination. People with eye discomfort or vision trouble should schedule eye exams more frequently. The same is true for those who wear corrective lenses and those with a family history of eye disease.

Eye Exams for Children

The AAO recommends that children get their first eye screening when they are between 6 and 12 months old. Routine eye exams should be conducted throughout childhood to detect any eye abnormalities as the child develops. You should conduct vision screening and eye alignment evaluations every one or two years for school-going children.

If your child is experiencing trouble in school or has developmental delays, it could be due to eye problems. Healthy eyes are essential for motor development, reading, proper learning, and other skills.

Eye Exams for Older Adults

Just like with other parts of the body, the eyes tend to get weaker with age. Several age-related eye issues such as cataracts, presbyopia, and age-related macular degeneration exist. These conditions begin to manifest after the age of 40.

The conditions begin to affect the patient’s vision, and they can impact daily life. In some cases, the conditions can lead to vision loss down the line. It is important to schedule more regular eye exams as you age.

Identifying Health Issues

Eye exams can help in identifying other health issues. A specialist will use the eye evaluation to determine your overall health. Evaluation of eye blood vessels can help detect health problems such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, and thyroid disease.

The exam can also detect autoimmune disorders like lupus, cancer, and tumors. Regardless of how good your vision is, you need to schedule regular eye exams for your overall health and well-being.

Apart from the annual eye exams, it is vital to be aware of any changes in your vision and eye health. You also need to understand your risk factors for getting eye conditions.

For more on why routine eye exams are important, contact Norwood Family Eye Care at our office in Bartlett, Tennessee. You can call 901-617-8095 today to schedule an appointment.