Caring for Your Eyes

Should You Get an Eye Exam? Here Are Four Instances When You Should

7 February 2020

Ramona Matthews

Optometrists recommend that everyone visit their eye doctor regularly for eye exams. These examinations are meant to unearth underlying problems and treat them before they occur. However, most people have a habit of seeing an eye specialist when they are already suffering from eye issues. Getting checked early not only protects your eyesight but also saves you money that would be spent treating severe conditions. With this in mind, here are instances when you should see an optometrist for an eye exam.

You Haven't Had an Exam in the Last Year (Or Ever)

When is the last time you had an eye exam? If you can't remember or have never had one, this is the time to get it. Both adults and kids should get an eye exam at least once a year to ensure they are in perfect health. During an exam, the specialist will examine your overall eye health. They will also check for conditions like shortsightedness, longsightedness, cataracts and glaucoma.

Your Current Prescription Isn't Effective

Even if you already have glasses, contact lenses or eye drops, that doesn't mean that your visits to the optometrist should come to an end. If your condition worsens, your prescription may stop being effective, and this can further exacerbate the situation. Therefore, monitor your treatment to see whether it's working. Are you able to see as clearly as when you first got your contacts? Are your glasses still keeping headaches at bay? If not, it may be time to see an eye specialist for a new prescription.

There's a History of Eye Problems in Your Family

There are hundreds of eye conditions that are hereditary. These include diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, optic atrophy, retinal degeneration and eye malformations. If there's a history of eye disease in your family, the chances of suffering it as well can be high. It's crucial to start checkups early so your optometrist can detect such conditions and treat them on time. Let them know your family history so they can know how best to tailor your examinations. 

You're Always on Digital Devices

If you spend most of your time using computers, smartphones and other digital devices, you're at risk of suffering from computer vision syndrome. When using these devices, the eyes don't blink as often as they should, and this causes them to feel dry and itchy. Blue light from the devices can also be detrimental to eye health. Computer vision leads to eye pain, tension headaches and blurry vision.

An optometrist can prescribe glasses to prevent computer vision syndrome. The glasses are designed to block blue light from digital devices and protect your eyes. During your exam, the specialist may also advise you to take regular breaks from digital devices to lubricate and clean your eyeball.

Whether you have eye problems or not, it's essential to see an optometrist for routine checkups to prevent disease and manage existing conditions.

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