It has been documented that eye doctors are often the first healthcare professionals to detect chronic systemic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes, because of their manifestation in the eyes.
It is also a well-known fact that early detection often results in better prognosis (outcomes). Routine eye examinations are encouraged because a lot of diseases, such as glaucoma (the sneak thief of sight) occur with no symptoms, which means, before the individuals affected find out, irreversible damage might have been done.
A comprehensive eye exam includes
assessment of your visual acuity (how clearly you can see objects at far and near),
assessment of how your eyes work together as a team,
external and internal examination of your eye (to uncover any abnormal changes) which indicates the state of your general health,
a refraction test that would reveal whether a prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses is necessary and what is needed
At the end of your eye examination, you will find out the following
- Refractive status: This refers to nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Refractive errors are corrected with eyeglasses, contacts, or refractive surgery.
- Eye coordination: This refers to whether the eyes are aligned and working together. Whether Strabismus is present or absent. Strabismus is also called crossed or turned eyes.
- Visual development: Amblyopia also called lazy eyes can occur when visual corrections are ignored (and also lead to the eye turning out), especially in cases where one eye requires a much different prescription than the other. The brain “shuts off” the image from the worse eye, and this can lead to permanent vision impairment.
- Eye teaming: Although we have two eyes, we ought to maintain a single clear image. Binocular problems can cause double vision, headaches, eye strain, and other problems that can affect reading and other near-vision tasks.
- Eye diseases: Many eye diseases, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, have no symptoms in their early stages. Vision loss from these diseases is not reversible. Other eye diseases, such as conjunctivitis, pterygium, cataract, etc., may be diagnosed and treated.
How often should I have my eyes checked?
You should have routine comprehensive examinations once each year. Preventive care is always emphasized at iCare Clinics. This will ensure no eye anomaly creeps up on you.
Children are also not left out as they need good eye health and vision for learning. Annual eye examinations, and changing prescriptions when necessary could increase the academic performances of children.
Your sight is precious, schedule an appointment with the eye doctor.
