Routine Eye Exams are Important
There is so much more to healthy vision than 20/20. Our eyeXam experience is one of the most comprehensive eye exams using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment. Our goal is to detect signs of disease or abnormalities early on, while conditions are still treatable. We have designed our exams to do just that.
Why Are Routine Eye Exams Important?
Eye exams are frequently forgotten about when it comes to scheduling preventive health appointments. People often assume that a basic vision screening will suffice; however, comprehensive checkups by a qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist are critical for everyone’s overall health. The next sections explain the key differences between a screening and an exam, as well as how “keeping an eye on” your eye health can benefit your general health.
Eye Exams vs. Vision Screenings
- Vision screenings are fast, low-cost exams that volunteers or nurses administer to check for abnormal visual acuity and significant vision impairments. Individuals are asked to recognize layers of letters from a distance of 20 feet during a screening. Often, the screening will test both eyes at the same time as well as each eye separately. When a person’s vision falls below 20/40, they are referred to an eye doctor for corrective glasses, contacts, or medical therapy.
- Optometrists or ophthalmologists do comprehensive eye exams, which involve a vision screening as well as a number of tests to assess the health of your eyes. During an examination, each eye is checked for indicators of major eye problems such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and detached retinas, among others. Regular eye exams, regardless of vision acuity, can aid in the early detection of major eye issues, when they are most treatable.
How Frequent Are Eye Exams Recommended?
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), adult eye exams should be done at the following intervals dependent on age:
- Every 5-10 years in your 20s and 30s.
- Between the ages of 40 and 54: every 2-4 years
- Between the ages of 55 and 64: every 1-3 years
- 65 and up: once or twice a year
Individuals who meet the following criteria are exempt from the previous recommendations:
- Show signs of major vision problems or discomfort in your eyes.
- Corrective lenses should be worn.
- Do you have a history of eye problems in your family?
- Have a chronic illness that puts you at risk for eye disease?
The AAO advises the following for children:
- Between the ages of 6 and 12 months, children are screened for the first time.
- Eye health and vision exams should be done on a regular basis throughout childhood to help detect any anomalies as their eyes develop.
- For school-aged children, visual screening and ocular alignment exams are recommended every 1-2 years.
Eye Exams Can Aid in the Diagnosis of Other Health Issues
Your eye exam will be used by a professional doctor to determine your general health. Close examination of the blood vessels in the eye can aid in the detection of major health issues such as:
- Diabetes. Blood vessels in the retina of the eyes bleed blood or yellow fluid, indicating diabetic retinopathy.
- Hypertension. High blood pressure can be detected by tears or bends in the blood vessels of the eyes.
- Cholesterol levels are high. High cholesterol might cause a yellow tint or ring around the cornea.
- Thyroid illness is a condition affecting the thyroid gland. Graves Disease, sometimes known as bulging or protruding eyes, is a symptom of thyroid issues.
- Autoimmune diseases are a type of autoimmune disease. An autoimmune condition such as lupus can cause inflammation in the eyes.
- Cancer. Ocular melanoma (eye cancer) can be detected by closely inspecting the eyelids, and basal cell carcinoma can be detected by closely inspecting the eyelids (skin cancer).
- Tumors. A neck tumor or an aneurism could be indicated by irregularly shaped pupils or droopy eyelids.
Regular eye exams, as recommended by the AAO, are a terrific way to remain on top of your overall health, regardless of how good your eyesight is.
