Eye exams are important for helping to make sure that you have accurate vision. Yet, eye doctors look for far more during an exam than just whether or not you can identify those tiny letters. Your eye doctor may also check for signs of age-related eye disorders or even changes that are known to occur with specific health conditions. Regular eye exams become increasingly important as you age, and making sure to see your eye doctor regularly can help you to preserve your vision.
How Often Should You Schedule an Eye Exam?
The recommended frequency for eye exams depends upon your age and current eye health. Younger adults may get by only going for an eye exam every five years provided that they don’t have any problems with their eyes or vision. Once you hit age 55 or older, you can expect your eye doctor in Brooklyn NY residents visit to ask to see you every one to two years. Keep in mind that people who wear corrective lenses or that have health conditions that place them at risk for eye disease will need to schedule annual visits, or possibly even visit the eye doctor more frequently.
What Health Conditions Can an Eye Exam Detect?
The eyes truly do provide a window into the body that an ophthalmologist can use to check for retinal conditions such as tears or macular degeneration. Eye problems aren’t the only thing that your doctor might discover during an exam. As they perform the exam, your eye care specialist can see the blood vessels, vitreous fluid, and other components that impact how your vision works. During this process, they might detect the signs of conditions that include diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Since all of these conditions can impact how well you see, it is critical to catch them early. If an eye exam turns up signs of a serious health condition, then you can work with your general health care provider and eye specialist to develop a plan that prevents further damage.
What Are Signs to Schedule an Exam Between Annual Visits?
Those annual visits are important, yet there are conditions that can develop between your regular appointments. You’ll want to take note if you develop sudden spots or blurriness in your vision. If you suddenly see flashing lights or more floaters than normal, then you’ll want to give your eye doctor a call. Many eye conditions, such as a retinal tear, can develop suddenly. If you notice new or unusual symptoms that impact your vision, then it is worth scheduling an urgent checkup.
Developing a relationship with your eye care provider is also an important part of your regular exams. As your eye care provider gets to know what’s normal for your vision, they can help you continue to take steps to preserve your ability to see clearly as you age. Whether you need watchful monitoring for the signs of diabetic retinopathy or require more intensive forms of care, staying on track with your eye exams helps you to receive faster care for developing eye conditions.