Eye exams are a key part of a preventative wellness routine. Eye doctors perform eye exams to test visual acuity and check for the presence of eye diseases. Many people don't think about their vision until something goes wrong, but it's best to be proactive about your eye health. Here are four reasons to have your eyes examined annually.
1. You wear glasses or contacts.
Some people experience nearsightedness or farsightedness. These conditions occur when a person's eyes focus improperly, often due to a distortion in the shape of their eyes' lenses. Glasses and contacts can correct vision problems by changing the way your eyes focus.
If you wear glasses or contacts, you should have an eye exam each year. During an eye exam, your optometrist will check the fit of your glasses or contacts. Some people's eyes change over time, so this fitting procedure is necessary. Your eye doctor will also test your visual acuity, updating your prescription if necessary. Routine eye exams will ensure that you can always see clearly.
2. You sometimes experience dry eyes.
Under normal conditions, the human eye produces tears to keep the cornea lubricated. However, a person may experience dry eyes for a number of reasons. Dry eyes can be caused by insufficient tear production. You may also experience dry eyes if your tears evaporate too quickly due to their chemical composition. Dry eyes can be mildly uncomfortable or very painful. Fortunately, you don't need to suffer with this condition. Your eye doctor can diagnose and treat chronic dry eyes using eye drops, tear duct plugs, and other medical solutions.
3. You are getting older.
Most people experience vision changes as they age. It's common for people to require reading glasses when they get older, as their eyes may struggle to focus on nearby objects. Older people are more likely to develop cataracts and other age-related conditions. It's especially important for senior citizens to see their eye doctor for routine eye exams.
4. You have a chronic condition that puts you at risk for eye disease.
Your entire body is an interconnected system. Certain diseases can have a negative impact on your eyes. For instance, diabetes can increase the amount of intraocular pressure in your eye, putting you at risk of developing glaucoma. Glaucoma can cause permanent blindness if it isn't diagnosed and treated. People with diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and other chronic conditions should have their eyes checked regularly.
To learn more, contact a resource like Northwest Ophthalmology.
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