Did you know that an eye exam includes much more than checking vision and eyeglasses? At Atrius Health, your optometrist will perform a comprehensive eye exam, an essential part of your overall health.
Eye exams can detect several serious medical conditions, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, as well as common eye conditions, such as cataracts and dry eyes. An eye exam can also show evidence of diabetes and other health issues.
How Often Should I Have My Eyes Examined?
Patients who need glasses or wear contact lenses should see their optometrists annually for a comprehensive eye exam.
Patients with good vision and health should be screened by their optometrist at least once in their 20s. Your optometrist will recommend a follow-up schedule based on your family history and the results of your comprehensive eye exam.
We recommend more frequent eye exams with your optometrist for patients starting in their 40s, as this is when some eye conditions can develop, which may affect your vision. Some of those conditions include:
Presbyopia
Presbyopia is the loss of ability for your eyes to focus clearly on objects that are close up. Some signs include holding reading materials at arm's length or blurred vision at normal reading distances. Presbyopia is a common condition that occurs with age and can become noticeable in your early to mid-40s. The treatment involves wearing glasses or contact lenses. Your optometrist will conduct an eye exam to determine the strength of your prescription.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma causes damage to the optic nerve, the fibers inside the eye that carry visual images to the brain. Unfortunately, a person can be unaware of glaucoma until it is very late. There is no pain with most forms of glaucoma, and vision is not blurry in the earlier stages of the disease. Glaucoma is treatable if caught in its early stages; if left undiagnosed, the disease can lead to total blindness.
Cataracts
Cataracts, a clouding of the lens inside the eye, is a normal result of the aging eye. Early clouding can be corrected with eyeglasses. Eventually, surgery may be needed to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with a permanent, plastic implant.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD or ARMD) is a disease associated with aging that causes loss of central vision. The macula is used for fine central vision, such as reading, recognizing faces, and identifying colors. Any damage to the macula may have a profound effect on central vision and daily functioning. In many cases, AMD advances so slowly that people notice little or no change in their vision. In others, the disease progresses faster and may lead to a significant loss of central vision in both eyes. AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans 60 years of age and older. Some forms can be treated or slowed.
Detecting Medical Conditions and Diseases
A comprehensive eye exam done by an optometrist or ophthalmologist may show signs of some conditions and diseases. By looking at the retina, its blood vessels, and other parts of the eye, your eye doctor may be able to detect if you are developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or other health problems.
Diabetes and Eye Exams
In addition, an annual eye exam is extremely important for people who have been diagnosed with diabetes. Damage to the blood vessels in your eyes (called diabetic retinopathy) can cause vision loss and is a leading cause of blindness. When retinopathy is found early, treatment may help you to maintain your vision.
Medications
Many medications come with a variety of potential side effects, but did you know those side effects can include your eyes? Certain medications can cause eye dryness or blurred vision, while others have more serious side effects, including optic nerve degeneration or glaucoma. Schedule regular exams if your provider indicates one of your medications could cause vision changes.
For more information about these eye conditions, please visit the American Optometric Association or the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Scheduling an Eye Exam
Caring for your eyes should always be a part of your regular healthcare routine. We understand how busy life can be, so Atrius Health offers convenient, comprehensive eye care services for adults and children at many of our locations. You can schedule your visit by calling the location of your choice or booking an appointment online through MyHealth.
At Atrius Health, we pride ourselves on the team we have assembled in visual services. Our team is comprised of subspecialty and comprehensive ophthalmology and medical optometry for adults and children, including contact lenses, myopia control, and low vision services for the visually impaired.
Our optical shops are staffed with licensed opticians who support our doctors with their treatment plans, as well as dispense glasses and contact lenses to our patients. We have the latest technology for in-house consults and procedures and partner with local hospitals for our surgical cases.
