The Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams are important in protecting your vision and contributing to your overall health. Eye diseases are very common and often go unnoticed; some do not have any symptoms in their early stages. Eye exams allow your doctor to discover eye diseases early and protect your vision long-term.

Common eye problems

• • Cataracts – clouding of the lens, this is the leading cause of vision loss in the United States
  • Diabetic retinopathy – causes damage to the blood vessels in the back of the eye, this is the leading cause of blindness in the United States
  • Glaucoma – a group of diseases that damages the optic nerve
  • Age-related macular degeneration – causes the gradual breakdown of light-sensitive tissues in the eyes

Vision loss or blindness from these eye problems can be prevented with early treatment. Regular eye care can have a life-changing effect on millions of people.

When to start getting eye exams

While people tend to have more vision problems as they get older, children also need eye exams. Amblyopia, or lazy eye, causes vision problems because the eye and the brain are not properly working together. This is the most common cause of vision loss in children and can be treated to help avoid vision loss.

How often to get eye exams

Children’s eyes should be checked regularly by an eye doctor or pediatrician. Adults without vision problems should have an exam once every few years, depending on age. People with diabetes should have a dilated eye exam once a year. People who are at high risk for glaucoma should have a dilated eye exam every two years.

Other reasons to see an eye doctor

If you have any of the following problems, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor before your next eye exam:

• • • Decreased vision
    • Draining or redness of the eye
    • Eye pain
    • Double vision
    • Floaters (tiny specks that appear to float in your vision)
    • Circles (halos) around lights
    • Flashes of light

Treat your vision health as part of your overall health and wellness. Encourage your family and friends to do the same and schedule regular eye exams. You can help prevent vision loss or blindness and improve your overall quality of life. To schedule an eye exam at Mabry Eye Center, call our office at (423) 385-2020.