If your vision is 20/20 do you wonder the reason for having an annual eye exam? A comprehensive eye exam checks more than just the refractive state of your eye, known as the need for glasses or contact lenses. It is common for people not to realize that their vision has gradually gotten worse or that their vision may be improved if it had always been blurry.
During a comprehensive exam the doctor is checking the health of your eyes. They are looking for disease of the eye including things like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts. Many of these diseases show no symptoms until permanent damage is done. The doctor is also looking for physiological abnormalities such as a nevus (a freckle), changes to the blood vessels, or pigment changes. These may be harmless but it is always good to have a baseline and annual evaluation to track any changes that may occur. In addition to eye disease, optometrists can help detect systemic health problems such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes.
For children it is critical to have their eyes evaluated to make sure not only that their vision is 20/20 in each eye but that they have good muscle balance and that their eyes are working together properly. This can make a big difference in the development of a child’s physical and educational skills. Although children often have screenings done by their primary care doctor or at school, diagnoses for certain conditions is often missed. Studies have also shown a link between vision and a child’s ability to learn in school and behavioral issues.
Don’t delay. Give Smart Eye Care a call and we’ll set you up with an appointment to check the health and vision of your eyes!
