Why You Should Never Skip Your Annual Eye Exam

Some people think having an eye exam is only necessary if you have an eye condition or wear glasses. It is a widespread misconception that applies to medical situations in general. The danger to this notion rests in the fact that many symptoms only appear once the conditions have substantially worsened.

Everyone should receive a yearly eye exam, especially those over 40. Studies predict that by 2030, 2.2 million Americans will be blind and five million more will have impaired eyesight. Regular eye exams are essential for spotting and treating eye issues in their earliest stages.
 

How Many People Are Having Eye Exams?

A 2016 American Academy of Ophthalmology survey found that 64% of people in the U.S. experience various visual symptoms. Some of these include hazy vision, poor night vision, double vision, seeing flashes, difficulties reading, and red eyes. Unfortunately, just 13% of these people had seen their optometrists for examinations and treatments.

Moreover, only 40 percent of adults with a substantial risk of severe eye disorders visited their optometrists for eye exams. This is according to a survey by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2017.

Due to conditions that include diabetic macular edema and age-related macular degeneration, these seniors were more likely to lose their vision. These conditions can only be identified with a comprehensive eye exam.
 

Why Should You Never Skip an Annual Eye Exam?

A thorough eye exam can assess your vision and look for eye problems. Many eye disorders don't show symptoms until the condition has worsened, going under the radar for years. Here are other reasons for getting that eye exam:

·      Visual Deficiency Can Cost Your Life

In most cases, your primary line of defense is your vision and eyes. Consider driving or going down the stairs as examples of everyday activities. Also, consider crossing a busy street. You require a good vision to keep yourself and others secure and function effectively.

·      Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a prevalent disease responsible for making a substantial number of people in America and the world totally blind and suffering visual loss. Symptoms of glaucoma are rare in its early stages. Usually, the symptoms only become apparent once the illness has become irreparable.

Regular visits to your eye doctor will make them more likely to identify the risky condition and start treating it. Early detection is key to managing the damage it can cause.

·      Eye Health Tends to Vary

Your eyes change with time, as does your whole body. Even if your eye health was flawless at your most recent examination, it might not be so a year later.

Changes that occur between your checks could result in damage, sometimes irreparable. Hence, it is preferable to identify any issues as early as possible and begin treatment.

·      Overall Health Equals Eye Health

Your eyes can reveal a lot about your general health. Various harmful illnesses will create eye imprints to ultimately help you. Diabetes and high blood pressure are two common disorders that appear in an eye exam and may damage eyesight.

For more on why you should never skip your 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.