When did you last have a comprehensive eye exam? Regular eye examinations have several advantages, so you should not put off visiting an optometrist until you experience a vision problem. The fact that scheduling a visit with your optometrist for routine eye exams should be part of your health checkup routine surprises many people.
The value of yearly eye exams extends far beyond ensuring that your eyesight is clear. Through them, you can save time, trouble, and money by identifying and resolving significant health concerns. Hence, it is crucial to have regular eye exams.
· Better Vision
Constant eyestrain from attempting to focus because of poor eyesight makes you suffer from frequent headaches. You could also have monocular vision, where you only use one eye to see.
A vision screening and other specialized tests typically make up a complete eye exam. Your quality of life will improve if you have a better vision. Much of older people's independence rests on better vision.
Due to the gradual rate at which eyesight deteriorates, it is difficult for most people to notice. Once you reach 60, the degradation frequently accelerates. Even if you do not believe you require new eyewear prescriptions, it is crucial to have an examination at least once every two years.
· Glaucoma
Glaucoma is the stealthiest eye condition leading to vision loss. Glaucoma onset makes no symptoms, leaving you unaware that anything is wrong. Hence, an eye exam is your only chance of detecting the condition. People who neglect regular eye exams will belatedly learn they have the condition.
Managing glaucoma to stop further vision loss after the symptoms become apparent can be challenging. Blindness may result from the condition if medical management or glaucoma surgery is unsuccessful.
· Keep Track of Brain Health
Annual eye exams also benefit your brain, affording you more advantages. In a study published in 2019, scientists discovered that many older persons with dementia also experienced visual impairment. The poor quality of their lives, their limited freedom, and the strain on their caretakers need not be if they regularly went through ophthalmological examinations.
· Early Diagnosis of Serious Illnesses
Eye exams can identify dangerous illnesses in addition to eye issues. Eye exam results may be the first indication of significant chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. Overall health and ocular health are at risk from diabetes and hypertension. The earlier you begin treatments, the sooner you can preserve your eyesight and lower your risk of losing it entirely as you age.
· Save Money
Finally, scheduling an eye exam yearly may save you money over time. This is because you can start preventative steps if your eye exam identifies a severe disease early on, which may help cover the associated costs. Most chronic diseases cost enormous sums of money to manage and treat yearly. You can significantly reduce these expenditures if you detect the conditions early.
For more on the benefits of an annual eye exam, visit Brandon Eyes at our office in Middleton or Madison, Wisconsin. Call (608) 833-7256 or (608) 833-0301 to book an appointment today.