If you cannot remember when you had your last eye exam, it may be time to schedule an eye exam.
Many people wait until they have blurry vision, difficulty reading, trouble driving at night, or another noticeable change before seeing an eye doctor. However, changes in your vision are not the only reason to have your eyes examined. Regular eye exams give your eye doctor an opportunity to evaluate your vision, look for signs of eye disease, and recommend appropriate care based on your age, symptoms, medical history, and individual risk factors.
Some eye conditions can develop without obvious symptoms, especially in their early stages. Glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, and other conditions may affect the health of your eyes before you notice a significant change in how well you see.
If you cannot remember your last eye exam, contacting an eye care provider is a simple first step toward determining whether it is time for another visit.
Routine Eye Exam vs. Comprehensive Eye Exam: What Is the Difference?
Not every eye appointment is the same. Understanding the difference between a routine eye exam and a comprehensive medical eye exam can help you know what to expect from your visit and which type of eye appointment to book.
What Is a Routine Eye Exam?
A routine eye exam generally focuses on your vision and whether you need corrective lenses.
During the appointment, your eye doctor may evaluate your vision, check your current prescription, and determine whether glasses or contact lenses could improve your vision.
Routine eye exams can be particularly helpful if:
- Your glasses or contact lens prescription needs to be updated.
- You are experiencing mild changes in your vision.
- You need an annual contact lens evaluation.
- You have difficulty seeing clearly at certain distances.
- You experience eye strain while reading or using digital devices.
Although the exact services included can vary, the primary purpose of a routine vision exam is typically to evaluate your visual function and correction needs.
What Is a Comprehensive Eye Exam?
A comprehensive eye exam provides a broader assessment of your vision and eye health.
In addition to checking how clearly you see, your eye doctor may evaluate the different structures of your eyes and look for signs of eye diseases or other medical concerns.
Depending on your needs, a comprehensive eye examination may include evaluating your visual acuity, eye movements, peripheral vision, eye pressure, pupils, cornea, lens, retina, and optic nerve.
Your doctor may also recommend dilating your eyes. Dilating drops temporarily widen the pupils, allowing your doctor to examine structures inside the eye more thoroughly.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a comprehensive eye exam can reveal signs of health conditions that affect the entire body, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, autoimmune diseases, and even certain cancers.
A comprehensive eye exam may be particularly important if you:
- Have noticed a significant change in your vision.
- Have diabetes or another medical condition that may affect your eyes.
- Have a personal or family history of eye disease.
- Have previously undergone eye surgery.
- Have been diagnosed with an eye condition that requires ongoing monitoring.
- Have reached an age when certain eye conditions become more common.
Your eye doctor can determine which type of examination is appropriate based on your individual needs.
Why Your Last Eye Exam Matters Even If You See Clearly
It is easy to assume that you do not need an eye exam when your vision seems fine.
However, an eye exam is about more than determining whether you need new glasses.
Some eye diseases can develop gradually and cause few noticeable symptoms during their early stages. In some cases, one eye may compensate for changes occurring in the other, making a vision problem more difficult to recognize without an examination.
Glaucoma is one example of an eye disease that can progress without obvious early warning signs. Other conditions, including diabetic eye disease and age-related macular degeneration, may also require regular monitoring and timely care.
Knowing when you last had an eye exam can help you stay proactive about changes that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Your Eye Exam May Reveal More Than Vision Changes
Your eyes can also provide important information about your overall health.
The eye is unique because it allows doctors to directly examine blood vessels and other internal structures. During an eye examination, an optometrist or ophthalmologist may identify signs of health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
This does not mean that an eye exam replaces regular medical care from your primary care provider or other healthcare professionals. Instead, it demonstrates why eye health can be an important part of your overall healthcare routine.
Eye Exams Are Important Throughout Every Stage of Life
The reasons for having an eye exam can change as you get older.
Children and Teenagers
Clear vision can play an important role in learning, reading, development, and participating in school activities. Children may not always recognize or communicate that they are having difficulty seeing.
Regular eye care can help identify vision problems and determine whether additional evaluation or treatment is needed.
Adults
In adulthood, vision changes may occur gradually. Prescriptions can change, digital device use may contribute to eye strain, and certain medical conditions can increase the risk of eye problems.
Adults who have diabetes, wear contact lenses, have a family history of eye disease, or experience changes in their vision may need more frequent examinations.
Older Adults
As we age, the risk of developing certain eye conditions increases.
Cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, and other conditions become more common with age. Regular eye exams become increasingly important for monitoring changes in vision and eye health.
Your eye doctor can recommend an examination schedule based on your age and individual risk factors.
Protect How You See The World
Your vision is an important part of how you work, drive, read, connect with others, and experience the world around you.
Do not wait until it becomes difficult to see before thinking about your eye health.
Whether you need a routine vision exam to update your prescription or a comprehensive medical eye exam to evaluate your overall eye health, scheduling the appropriate appointment can help you better understand your vision and any changes occurring in your eyes.
If you cannot remember your last eye exam, schedule an eye exam online or call 602-955-1000 to book an eye exam today.