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Let’s face it: no one likes making appointments, much less going to them. Adding one more thing to the to-do list or taking time off work to go to a check-up of course makes them inconvenient. However, we cannot underestimate the importance of regular eye exams. Yes, it can be annoying to make the phone call and then show up to the office, but it is definitely worth it in the long run.
After all, most people wait until they experience problems with their vision to get an exam. At that point, it’s almost too late. Getting an eye exam can be the first step to fixing existing eye problems, but if you make sure you are visiting the eye doctor regularly, you can actually prevent these issues from ever popping up. The severity of vision deficits can also be prevented if they are caught early by regular eye exams.
Here are some of the benefits of thorough eye exams:
Adjusting Prescriptions for Corrective Lenses – Our eyes change over time and what was once the perfect diopter might be hurting your eyes now. Your doctor can help you with a current and precise prescription.The frequency of your optometrist visits is largely dictated by your age and the overall quality of your vision. In early adulthood, for example, you actually don’t need to visit the eye doctor as often as you do when you are a child or when you are older. As you may have noticed, it is rare to reach the age of 50 without requiring some form of corrective lenses. Plus, all people experience decreased visual acuity as they age.
Patients with healthy vision, or those who require adjustments of prescriptions, may visit the optometrist annually. Patients over the age of 40 or who have eye disease should visit more frequently. Nevertheless, here are a few guidelines:
Of course, any time you experience an eye infection or changes in your vision, schedule an exam with a doctor.
If you’ve never had an eye exam, you might be a little nervous about it. But, there’s nothing to worry about. As long as you go to a reputable eye doctor, your eyes should be in good hands.
The first thing the eye doctor will do is ask about your medical history. They’ll want to know about past medical treatment, eye-related and not. They may also ask about any eye-related issues people in your family have experienced. Then, they’ll inquire about any symptoms you’re experiencing in your eyes. Are they burning? Dry? Do you often experience blurred vision? These are things the eye doctor needs to know.
Next, you’ll take a visual acuity test. Using the Snellen chart, your doctor will ask you to read out the different letters you see on the chart. They’ll then have you do an eye movement test. This is where you follow an object, like a pen, with your eyes but not your head. Some other tests they may insist on are glaucoma screening tests or retinal exams. Sometimes, these involve putting drops
Regular vision exams are part of a proactive stance against vision problems. But, general health practices like exercise and a proper diet are also incredibly important for good vision. Consider taking a dietary supplement, like our Ocu-Plus Formula, for your vision and scheduling regular eye exams with your doctor for the best results.
Components of a vision-healthy diet include green, leafy greens such as kale and chard. You need to consume foods high in omega fatty acids, like fish as well as plant-based proteins. It’s also very important to eat foods high in antioxidants. If you find that your diet is deficient in the nutrients from these foods, you’re not alone. Many Americans struggle to get all the essential nutrients into their daily diets. You can supplement your diet with a regular, multi-purpose vitamin and other supplements, like omega-3 and -6 fatty acids.
Aerobic exercise improves circulation throughout your body and promotes the functioning of the tissue in your eyes. Try running, swimming, or bicycling for 30 minutes several times a week to increase your overall aerobic health.
Besides changing your diet and picking up a few exercises, there are things in your life that you can eliminate to improve your vision. Smoking, of course, is negatively implicated in many health problems, including vision deficits. Smoking increases the chances of cataracts, macular degeneration, and damage to the optic nerve. Many smokers find it difficult to quit, but the rewards are felt throughout your body.
If your eyes haven’t been examined in a few years or you are experiencing vision problems, don’t hesitate to schedule a visit with your ophthalmologist. The sooner you understand the condition of your eyes, the sooner you can take proactive steps to improve your vision. Visiting the eye doctor once per year will help you preserve your vision, for life.
Kendall Ryder says:
It is good to know that children need eye exams every year. That way parents will realize that they need to take their kids to get their eyes checked out often. It would not be good for the child if he or she has to go through school without being able to see properly. That will just cause strain on the eyes which can make the problem worse!