Your eyes are two of the most precious parts of your body. They are responsible for providing you with visual information and helping you to navigate the world around you. Despite playing such an important role, eyes are also one of the most delicate parts of your body and should be given special care. This care includes shading your eyes from direct sunlight, limiting screen time, wearing corrective lenses as needed, and scheduling an annual eye exam with your ophthalmologist.

To help you better understand the importance of annual eye exams, the eye care team from Hawaii Vision Clinic has listed several reasons why you should never skip these important appointments:

1. Measure the Acuity of Your Vision

The first thing your ophthalmologist will do during your eye exam is to measure the acuity of your vision. They will have you read an eye chart at various distances and determine if your vision is deteriorating or if you are straining your eyes. Based on your diagnosis, your eye doctor will determine whether you need glasses or contact lenses.

2. Update Your Prescriptions

If you currently wear glasses or contacts, you should visit your ophthalmologist on a routine basis to update your prescription. Your vision changes over time, and it is important that your prescription remains current to prevent eye strain and the further degeneration of your vision.

3. Screen for Various Conditions

Your annual eye exam is also an opportunity for your ophthalmologist to fully assess the health of your eyes. This test allows them to determine if you are at risk of developing glaucoma or cataracts and create a treatment plan to help prevent these conditions.

4. Prevent Macular Degeneration

Macular degeneration is a disease that causes vision loss in the center of the field of vision. This condition is common among older adults, although it can develop in younger patients as well. As you get older, it is important to visit your eye doctor on a routine basis to catch macular degeneration in its earliest stages. The earlier the condition is diagnosed, the higher the success rate for treatment.

To schedule your yearly exam with an ophthalmologist from Hawaii Vision Clinic, call (808) 487-7938 for appointments at their Aiea location or (808) 594-9194 for their Honolulu location. For more information on the different treatment options available at this eye care office, visit them online.