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Most physicians suggest that you receive an eye exam at least once per year. Still, many people don't feel the need to have their eyes examined so frequently. Here are a few reasons not to miss your eye exams.
Your Eyeglass or Contact Lens Prescription May Have Changed
If you already wear prescription lenses, it is important to have your vision reassessed each year. Frequently, prescriptions change over time. Wearing lenses that are too weak or too strong for your eyes can cause avoidable eye strain and headaches.
Also, the shape of the eye changes naturally as a person grows older, making it difficult for them to clearly see objects that are up close. Reading glasses are often sufficient to help with discerning close objects. However, if a person already wears prescription lenses for nearsightedness, they may need bifocals.
You May have Developed an Eye Disorder
During an eye exam, the physician looks for signs of an eye disease. Some eye conditions, including cataracts and glaucoma, can rob you of your vision. Cataracts frequently develop in older people. The condition occurs when a lens of the eye becomes clouded. To correct cataracts, the clouded natural lens can be removed and replaced with a prosthetic lens. The cloudier the eye from a cataract, the greater the reduction in clear vision.
Glaucoma also tends to affect to affect the older population. The condition is caused by leaking blood vessels behind the eye and is characterized by a high level of intraocular pressure. To check for glaucoma, the eye doctor uses a specialized machine that blows a puff of air into the eye and records the pressure of the eye. The doctor may also dilate the pupils to view the blood vessels of the eye.
You May Have a Systemic Condition
As an ophthalmologist checks your eyes, they may also notice signs of systemic conditions. Irregularities in the blood vessels of the eyes may suggest that you are suffering from diabetes or hypertension. If your eyes bulge due to cellular inflammation, you may have a thyroid condition. Additionally, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and sickle disease may be discovered by observing the eye after the pupil has been dilated. Also, the color of your corneas can suggest that your cholesterol levels are too high.
By discovering signs of systemic conditions early, your eye doctor can refer you for treatment before severe complications develop. To schedule an eye appointment, contact the office of an eye doctor in your local area.
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