Eleven million Americans 12 and older need some sort of vision correction. You need healthy vision to drive, work, and play. You might even think, ‘why do I need a yearly eye exam, my eyes are healthy!’
Reasons you should schedule a yearly eye exam include early detection of myopia, glaucoma, and diabetes. Your optometrist can also detect vision changes, affecting your quality of life.
Here are ten reasons you should get a yearly eye exam in Houston, TX.
1. Myopia
Myopia is one is one of the first signs you might choose to get an eye exam. If you are having trouble seeing distances, you likely have myopia. Also known as nearsightedness, myopia is one of the most common eye problems.
You might be getting headaches or squinting to see appropriately. When driving, you might have trouble reading road signs or seeing the car ahead of you. When you’re reading a book (or newspaper), and you quickly look up, you might not be able to see things in focus.
What can an eye exam tell you about myopia? Your optometrist will be sure to get you the right vision correction. Once you have the right glasses or contacts to compensate for your vision changes, you’ll see clearly.
2. Glaucoma
When you get an eye exam, an optometrist will look for signs of glaucoma, which damages the optic nerve. Vision changes resulting from glaucoma can eventually lead to blindness. Glaucoma is usually found in older adults.
During your yearly eye exam, your optometrist will check the eye pressure, which can lead to glaucoma. Often, there are no warning signs, so your eye exam is critical to measuring the pressure in your eye.
3. Diabetes
What can an eye exam tell you? It can tell you if you have diabetic retinopathy, which damages the blood vessels in your eyes.
Your doctor will also talk to you about controlling your blood sugar. When you control your blood sugar, it lowers your chances of going blind.
How often should you get an exam if you have diabetes? Your optometrist will likely recommend once every one to two years. Quitting smoking and controlling your blood pressure will also help control your diabetes.
4. Floaters
Small fluid strands get stuck in your retina and can cause floaters as you age. Sometimes the fluid sticks together and causes shadows.
How often should you get an eye exam if you have floaters? It’s probably best to see an optometrist at least once each year. Floaters can be linked to other eye problems, such as diabetes or cataract surgery.
5. Other Health Problems
Your doctor will look for plenty of other vision problems and eye diseases during your yearly eye exam. Those issues include macular degeneration, amblyopia, and strabismus. You might also be at risk for cataracts.
Eye exams are more than just ‘needed glasses.’ These types of problems are often linked to your overall health. Sometimes, you’ll need an ophthalmologist.
6. Updated Prescriptions
It’s essential to stay on top of your prescriptions. From a young age, as your eyes grow and mature, you’ll want to make sure your prescription is up-to-date.
In addition, an updated prescription will make sure your eyewear is more fashionable. You might also want the latest technology in lenses that adjust to the light.
Sometimes, you might not even know your vision is bad until you get an eye exam! The eye doctor can make the necessary changes and adjustments.
7. Kids and Learning
There are early signs kids are having trouble with their eyesight. Your child’s eyes might move rapidly or wander in a random pattern.
Your child’s eyes might also not make eye contact. If there’s a bright light in the room, your child might not react.
While you might notice some of these problems, a teacher is trained to look for them. Educators will often tell parents or guardians that their child is in need of an eye exam.
8. Quality of Life
Sparkling vision is much about your quality of life. You don’t want to stop doing your favorite activity because you can’t see. Being homebound because of vision problems or stopping your favorite hobbies can often lead to anxiety or depression.
Perhaps you might love photography, reading, needlepoint, or painting. All of these activities require you to see well and notice detail. Proper vision gives you peace of mind knowing that you can handle situations confidently, regardless of age.
Your optometrist can give you your quality of life back should you lack the proper vision.
9. Safety
Regardless of your age, it’s important to have the best vision possible. On a job site, it’s important to have impeccable vision for the safety of you and your co-workers.
Imagine working with a piece of equipment that involves blades or chains. The last thing you want is to cause a workplace accident!
You also want to ensure you read documents and computer screens correctly. Should you make a mistake, you might cost the company money. Worse, mistakes could lead to your dismissal.
10. Develop a Relationship
A yearly eye exam helps you develop a relationship with your eye doctor. You get to build a rapport with them. Over time, your eye doctor will learn your eye history and document changes.
Moreover, should something serious develop, you will already have someone you trust looking after your health.
Ten Reasons to Get a Yearly Eye Exam
Ten reasons to get a yearly eye exam include the detection of myopia, glaucoma, diabetes, floaters, and other health problems. In addition, you’ll get updated prescriptions, and your kids will learn better. Yearly eye exams mean a better quality of life, safety on the job, and building a relationship with a doctor.
Have you scheduled your yearly eye exam lately? We are the most trusted eye care specialists in Houston, TX, and we can help you! Take charge of your eyes today and contact us!
Let us help you with eyewear, contact lenses, and overall eye health.
