The Importance of Eye and Vision Exams
Eye and vision exams help protect your vision from significant conditions that can cost you your ability to recognize loved ones, enjoy sports, and move through your daily life. Some eye conditions show no noticeable signs or symptoms in the early stages, making eye and vision exams integral for the early detection and intervention of these diseases. North Bay Optometric Vision Center in Rohnert Park, CA, can help protect your eye and vision health with these exams. Continue reading to learn about the importance of eye and vision exams and when to schedule them.
Prescribe or Update Corrective Lenses
Our vision is critical to our quality of life, and regular eye exams ensure our vision remains as strong as possible. The most common benefit of an eye exam is your eye doctor can diagnose nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism and prescribe corrective lenses. These prescription lenses correct refractive vision errors and allow patients to excel in school, work, and enjoy other aspects of life. People with diagnosed vision issues need regular appointments to keep their prescriptions current and enjoy their best possible vision.
A Window Into Overall Health
Your eyes are an essential window into certain health conditions that are often first diagnosed during an eye exam and before the patient has symptoms. Diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and autoimmune diseases frequently reveal themselves to an optometrist early in their development. Identifying these diseases as soon as possible allows you to seek treatment and make the needed lifestyle changes before the disease progresses.
Early Diagnosis of Eye Diseases
Diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts are eye diseases that cause irreparable damage to your eyesight or blindness when left untreated. Like the overall health issues, regular eye exams allow early identification and intervention for these diseases. Prompt eye care from your optometrist can slow or stop the progression of eye diseases. Your optometrist can also monitor your condition to ensure your eyes remain healthy.
Recommended Eye Exam Schedule
Many conditions that affect our vision are age-related, so those without a diagnosed vision condition should schedule eye exams:
• Once at 6-12 months old
• Once at 3-5 years old
• Once at ages 8, 10, 12, and 15
• Every other year between 18-64
• Every year at 65 and older
The frequency of your eye exams will also depend on your current eye and vision health or prescription strength. For example, you may have to schedule more regular eye exams to update your prescription lenses if you experience blurry vision or discomfort. Your optometrist can discuss how often you may need to schedule an eye exam during your visit.
Protect Your Eye and Vision Health Today by Visiting North Bay Optometric Vision Center
Regular eye and vision exams are crucial for maintaining healthy eyes and strong vision, so contact North Bay Optometric Vision Center in Rohnert Park, CA, to schedule your eye exam today. Call us and schedule an appointment at (707) 584-7294 to protect your eye and vision health.