Your entire health might be greatly affected by an eye checkup. For this reason, it's crucial to have routine eye exams, even if you don't wear glasses or contact lenses. Consider Francis, who was shocked when his doctor inquired about any prior history of high blood pressure. Francis explains, "As an athletic 20-something, I thought he was crazy. Francis was subsequently able to stop using the medication through various lifestyle adjustments. "But I went for a regular checkup nevertheless, and he was right: I required medication." But without that full eye test, he never would have realized his blood pressure was an issue.
Find out more about the significance of eye exams and what to anticipate during your visit. We'll also discuss how optometrists and ophthalmologists differ from one another and what to do if you don't have vision insurance.
Why eye exams are important
The eye provides doctors with a clear view of blood vessels, so an eye exam can tell you a lot about your general health. “Our eyes are fascinating because they provide a different perspective on the human body,” explains Dr. Alfonso Vega, MD, medical director of Vega Retina, which provides eye care services for Vega Retina. “A comprehensive examination can identify significant conditions including glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes, lupus, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.” With regular eye exams, you may catch these problems earlier and avoid serious complications.
Learn how some habits help protect your eyes and your overall health.
How often should you go
If you don’t have any symptoms or vision problems, doctors recommend getting regular eye exams based on your age:
Ages 20 to 39: Every 5 years
Ages 40 to 54: Every 2 to 4 years
Ages 55 to 64: Every 1 to 3 years
Ages 65 and up: Every 1 to 2 years
If you use glasses or contacts, have a family history of eye disease, or have a chronic illness like diabetes that increases your chance of developing an eye disease, you should have your eyes tested more frequently.
A pediatrician can check for typical developmental issues such as lazy eyes or crossed eyes in children under the age of three. Have your children's eyes examined before they start first grade? After then, assuming there is no history of vision issues in your family, eye tests every one to two years should be sufficient.
Choosing the right eye doctor: ophthalmologist or optometrist
When it comes to choosing an eye doctor to get an examination, many individuals are unsure. A medical professional with a license to practice medicine and surgery who also can issue glasses and contact lenses is known as an ophthalmologist.
An optometrist is a licensed professional (not a medical doctor) who usually performs eye examinations and vision tests and prescribes glasses and contact lenses. Some eye issues can be identified by an optometrist, who may also recommend drugs for specific eye conditions.
Both are suitable options for a thorough eye examination. You should schedule a consultation with an ophthalmologist if the problem is more complicated. You can ask your primary care physician for advice.
What to expect at your eye exam
Your eye doctor will do a thorough examination to look for glaucoma, cataracts, and vision issues. Your general health, the medical history of your family, and any medications you take will be inquired about.
You'll read letters from an eye chart to gauge your visual acuity up close and at a distance. You'll also undergo tests to assess your color perception, 3D vision, and peripheral (side) vision. The physician will examine your eye's pupils and eye muscles while shining a tiny light into it. She can see the inside of your eyeball more clearly with magnification.
Your eyes may occasionally be dilated by prescription eye drops so the doctor may check the blood vessels and nerve in the back of your eye. You might ask the doctor not to dilate your pupils if you need to have clear eyesight right away after your session.
Last but not least, the physician will check for glaucoma symptoms by blowing air into your eye or briefly touching the surface of your eye with a device. Neither technique results in any discomfort or agony over time.
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