Why An Annual Comprehensive Eye Exam is Critical to Your Eye Health
We use our eyes for everything. Working, studying, leisure, and basic daily activities require healthy eyes. Yet, many serious eye problems may be undetectable without regular checkups from a medical professional. One main way to make sure your eyes are functioning correctly is to get a comprehensive eye examination done every year.
People often confuse vision screening with a comprehensive eye examination. Vision screening makes sure that your vision isn’t blurry, while an eye examination is much more detailed and consists of the following components:
- Health and medication history of yours and that of your immediate family
- Your vision history, which includes a set of questions related to your vision
- An eye health evaluation, which comprises of examination of external parts of eyes, a dilated eye (or fundus) examination, and a test of fluid pressure
- A refraction, or visual acuity testing
- Visual field testing, commonly referred to as a confrontation field test
- And finally, your examination results
Here’s why it’s important to get your eyes examined annually:
Vision Screenings Are Not Enough
As we mentioned earlier, people often confuse vision screening with a comprehensive eye exam. Parents tend to think that their children have no eye-related issues, just because they passed the vision screening test. The same goes for adults as well.
However, what people do not realize is that vision screenings are only useful in pointing out serious and obvious vision problems. Most of the time, they are unable to catch more serious problems, such as glaucoma, cataracts or even eye cancer. Only a comprehensive eye exam by a thorough optometrist can help in this case.
Myopia Is Becoming Increasingly Common
Myopia, which refers to nearsightedness, is becoming very common – especially in children. But why is this a concern?
Since Myopia progresses with time, children who develop it at an early age are at a significantly higher risk of sight-threatening problems. These include glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachments. The sooner a doctor can detect Myopia, the more effective the treatment can be. Therefore, ensure you and your child visit a local optometrist for a proper eye examination every year.
Eye Problems Can Affect A Child’s Performance and Success at School
Did you know that according to statistics, 80% of the learning inside and outside the classroom requires a good vision?
Weak eyesight or other eye problems can hinder a child’s mental growth and learning. Considering the amount of time children spend in front of screens, the chances of developing eye problems have increased greatly. This is why it’s important to visit your eye doctor annually for a comprehensive eye examination, as it’s the only way to ensure your child’s eyes are healthy.
Eye Examinations Can Help Detect Other Problems
One of the major symptoms of certain diseases – such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure – is blurred vision and even blindness. Therefore, an eye exam can actually help your doctor identify other health issues.
This is particularly important for people with a family history of high blood pressure and diabetes.
These are just some of the several reasons why an annual eye examination is critical for your health and well-being.
Visit Us at Cohen Eye Associates
Cohen Eye Associates is a premium eye clinic serving the Downtown Houston Area. We provide comprehensive eye exams, vision screenings, and a range of stylish lenses that are hand-cut in-house.
If you’re looking for a local optometrist in Downtown Houston or looking to book your next comprehensive eye exam, Book an appointment with us at Cohen Eye Associates. Or call us at (713) 658-8301.
Hoping to see you and serve you soon!
