Early Detection of Eye Conditions
One of the biggest reasons to get regular eye exams is to detect conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration before they do damage. Many of these conditions develop slowly and don’t show symptoms until they’re advanced. With regular exams, an optometrist can catch these conditions early, treat them, and protect your long-term vision.
Monitoring Vision Changes
Even if you’re seeing well, your vision can change over time. Regular eye exams ensure your prescription is always up to date so you don’t experience unnecessary eye strain, headaches, and discomfort. Adjusting your glasses or contact lens prescription when needed can improve your daily life and prevent minor vision issues from becoming major problems.
Overall Health Screening
Eye exams can also be a window into your overall health. Conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and even high cholesterol can show up in the eyes before you experience other symptoms. An optometrist may pick up on these changes during a comprehensive eye exam, which could lead to early diagnosis and treatment of serious health conditions. So, eye exams help you take care of more than just your vision.