Importance of Comprehensive Eye Exams
We all rely on our eyes in almost every aspect of our daily lives. Access to information through reading or watching all types of media depends very much on clear vision, while life itself can depend on the ability to see properly while driving or crossing a busy street.
Yet a significant proportion of people DON'T have their eyes examined at regular intervals, and many people have never even had an eye examination.
Having a regular eye exam is crucial in protecting your and your family's eyesight. These exams can detect changes in the front of your eye so alterations can be made to your glasses or contact lens prescription. However, a look at the back of your eye, the retina, to check that it is healthy and not damaged or showing signs of disease is also needed.
Half of all blindness can be prevented, yet the number of people suffering vision loss continues to increase.
Many people only think to visit their optometrist if they are having difficulty seeing well.
However, even if you feel you can see perfectly well, eye examinations are important in order to check the health of your eyes.
Regular eye care can uncover eye conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration as well as systemic (entire body) problems including stroke, heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure. If these problems are left untreated, there is a risk of disability, suffering, and loss of productivity. The goals of an eye exam is to avoid or minimize adverse effects on the eye and vision, as well as to identify potential problems early in order to prevent any problems, which may potentially lead to vision loss.
Side effects of drugs may also sometimes be observed during eye examinations. Again, early detection is the key factor in treatment and sight preservation.
“Protect your vision
For most people, the eyes are the most important of all our sensory organs. Good vision allows us to enjoy the beauty of the world, to be independent and enjoy a high standard of living. We all want to protect our eyesight and overall health for ourselves and our family - that is why regular eye exams are important.”
Eye examination is a vital health check that should be part of everyone's normal health regime.
Both adults and children should have regular checks, and those who drive should also ensure that they meet the required visual standard. Children are normally examined in practice from around the age of four. However, if you are concerned there may be a problem with your child’s eyes we will be happy to see them at any age.