Why Are Regular Eye Exams Important?

Your eyes play a crucial role in your daily life, yet many people neglect their eye health until they experience vision problems. Regular eye exams help detect vision changes, eye diseases, and even underlying health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. But how often should you go for an eye exam? Let’s break it down.

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

The frequency of eye exams relies on various factors, including age, medical history, and whether you use glasses or contact lenses. Here’s a general guideline:

Children and Teenagers:

• Infants (6 months): First comprehensive eye exam
• Ages 3-5: Another exam before starting school
• School-aged children (6-18): Every one to two years

Adults (19-64):

• Every two years, if you have no vision issues
• Annually, if you rely on glasses or contact lenses
• More frequent exams if you have chronic conditions like diabetes

Seniors (65+):

• Every year to monitor age-related eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma

What Happens During an Eye Exam?

During an eye exam, your optometrist will:

• Check your visual acuity (how well you see at different distances)
• Test for refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism)
• Assess the retina and optic nerve for indications of disease.
• Measure eye pressure to check for glaucoma
• Assess eye muscle movement and coordination

Signs You May Need an Eye Exam Sooner

Even if you follow the recommended schedule, you should book an eye exam right away if you notice:

• Blurred or double vision
• Frequent headaches or eye strain
• Difficulty seeing at night
• Sudden changes in vision
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Red, dry, or irritated eyes

How Eye Health Reflects Your Overall Well-being

Your eyes can disclose a lot about your overall health. Regular eye exams can detect:

• Diabetes: Persistently high blood sugar can harm the tiny blood vessels in the retina, which may contribute to the development of diabetic retinopathy.
• High Blood Pressure: Alterations in the blood vessels at the back of the eye could be a sign of high blood pressure.
• Brain Health: Conditions like multiple sclerosis or even brain tumours may present early signs in eye exams

How to Maintain Good Eye Health Between Exams

While regular eye exams are essential, here are some ways to take care of your eyes every day:

• Consume a nutritious diet abundant in leafy greens, seafood, and nuts.
• Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays with sunglasses.
• Decrease screen time; take a break every twenty minutes by looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• Keep your glasses and contact lenses clean
• Stay hydrated and use artificial tears if your eyes feel dry

Conclusion

Regular eye exams are necessary for maintaining clear vision and detecting health problems early. Depending on your age and risk factors, you should visit your optometrist every one to two years—or sooner if you experience any vision changes.

Would you be able to book your next eye exam? Contact Markham Vision Centre today to schedule your appointment!