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If you only go to the eye doctor when you’re experiencing problems, you could be putting your vision at risk. Getting annual eye exams may not seem like a big deal if your eyes feel fine, but they’re critical to maintaining eye health for a variety of reasons. Here’s why you should schedule one.

Why Do You Need an Annual Eye Exam?

1. Early Detection of Diseases

Many ocular diseases like retinal conditions and glaucoma don’t show symptoms in their early stages. Getting an exam each year allows your eye doctor to detect early warning signs of the disease and take action to treat or correct it before it causes irreparable vision loss. Catching a disease early on can slow its progression, improve the success rate of treatment, and reduce the chance of complications.

2. Prevention of Eye Problems

Annual exams also detect minor problems like dry eyes and digital strain that could worsen and cause issues if left untreated. Dry eyes, for instance, can cause corneal damage, vision loss, and eye infections over time.

Digital eye strain can result in reduced vision distance and blurriness that can worsen with time the more you use devices. A doctor can detect these issues and work with you to manage them before they cause other problems.

3. Detection of Vision Changes

eye examsVision can change over time and be subtle enough that you don’t realize it. The exam will include a vision test, and you may find that your eyeglasses prescription needs to be changed or that your peripheral vision isn’t as sharp as it used to be.

These changes can be age-related or symptomatic of an underlying issue, like cataracts. Either way, detection and treatment will improve your eye health and quality of life.

4. Insight Into Your Overall Health

Exams can also detect budding problems in your overall health. Diabetic retinopathy, where the capillaries in your eyes leak fluid, can be an early sign of diabetes. High blood pressure can be indicated by damage to your ocular blood vessels.

Autoimmune diseases can cause dry eyes, swollen blood vessels, and eye tenderness. In some cases, you may not be aware of the underlying condition until your eye physician finds it.

 

Are you overdue for an eye exam? The team at Alexander Eye Associates & Optical in Rochester, NY, will provide a comprehensive evaluation. They have decades of experience in eye care, including detailed exams, surgical treatments, stylish eyeglasses, and contact fittings. Learn more about their exams online, or call (585) 325-3070 to schedule an appointment.

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