In general, healthy individuals should have a professional eye exam performed annually. However, if you aren’t experiencing any vision problems, it’s easy to put this checkup on the back burner. If it’s been a while since your last appointment with an eye doctor, here are a few reasons why you should schedule exams on a regular basis.  

5 Reasons to Have Regular Eye Exams

1. Screen for Ocular Disease

A comprehensive eye exam not only assesses vision abilities but also screens for a number of ocular diseases that can put your sight at risk—such as glaucoma, retinopathy, and cataracts. Fortunately, when these diseases are caught early on by a professional, treatment may be available to prevent the problem from worsening.

2. Reveal Underlying Health Problems

The health of your eyes can reveal a lot about the rest of your body. For example, vision problems are often the first signs of diabetes, thyroid disorders, high blood pressure, cancer, and other serious issues. If your eye doctor suspects a problem, they can refer you to a specialist, so you can get the early treatment you need to stay healthy.

3. Correct Vision Problems

As your body grows and changes, your vision may also change. In many cases, changes in vision are so gradual that people won’t notice at first. Leaving these issues untreated can result in a variety of complications, including blurry vision, headaches, and poor concentration. During a routine exam, your provider will assess your vision strength and determine if prescription glasses or contact lenses are needed. If you currently use corrective eyewear, a checkup can make sure your prescription hasn’t changed.  

4. Catch Movement Issues

During the exam, your provider will track the movement of your eyes to determine if there are any issues present, such as involuntary nerve response and weakened eye muscles. In many cases, these concerns can be corrected with training and treatment.

5. Enhance Eyewear

If you’ve been using the same contact lenses or prescription glasses for a long time, your eye doctor may be able to introduce you to new and improved options. For example, if you use a computer for work, your provider may recommend special lenses that help filter out harmful blue light.

Serving patients of all ages, Northern Lights Eye Care is a premier resource for eye exams in the Anchorage, AK, area. Providing quality vision care for more than 14 years, this clinic is recognized for comfortable checkups, fashionable eyewear selections, and fast prescription services. To learn more about their services, visit this friendly vision center online. You can also call a team member at (907) 276-3937 to schedule a convenient appointment.