Annual exams are a vital part of any healthcare regiment, and your vision is no different. Routine eye exams should be done at every age and lifestyle to help keep your vision healthy and strong. Even if you’ve had 20/20 vision throughout your life, it is important to come into our office and have your vision examined regularly as our eyes are constantly changing as we age.
At Optometry Center for Vision Therapy, we are here to provide quality vision care to you through every stage of your life. The American Optometric Association recommends that adults 19-40 should receive a comprehensive eye exam at least every 2 years and once a year for those over the age of 60.
Protect Your Vision
Protecting your vision is important to maintain your quality of life as you age, in addition to annual exams, there are small changes you can make to your lifestyle to help improve your visual health.
Staying active and eating a well-balanced diet is beneficial for your entire body, including your eyes. By maintaining daily activity such as a brisk walk and a healthy weight, you can decrease your risk of developing cataracts and glaucoma. While a well-balanced diet full of antioxidants and leafy greens can help to keep your eyes functioning at their peak as you age.
Take a break from electronic usage when possible. Practice the 20-20-20 rule when using electronic devices such as your phone, tablet, computer, or TV. Spend 20 seconds looking at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes of screen time to prevent your eyes from tiring or drying out. Even at work, remember to take breaks and maintain proper posture and distance from your screens to help prevent eye strain or eye fatigue.
Protect your eyes from harmful UV rays which increase the risk of certain types of cataracts and cancers of the eyes as well as damage the retina leading to vision loss. Always be sure to wear sunglasses when you are going to be outdoors or driving, even if the weather is cloudy. Buy quality sunglasses that protect against UV-A and UV-B radiation. Wearing wide-brimmed hats can also prevent sunlight from entering above and around your glasses.
The Importance of Comprehensive Exams
Annual comprehensive exams enable your optometrist to catch early signs of eye conditions and allow them to monitor your vision to make sure your eyes are functioning as they should.
During the exam, visual acuity, depth perception, eye alignment, and eye movement are tested. Eye drops are also used to allow our optometrist to check the health of your eye and see inside the eye, which can show precursors of other health problems such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
As mentioned before comprehensive exams are critical to providing early treatment to common vision conditions and diseases which may cause permanent vision loss or blindness. Common vision conditions that can affect your vision as you age include:
- Cataracts
- Diabetic Retinopathy
- Glaucoma
- Age-Related Macular Degeneration
If you start noticing changes to your vision, such as blurred vision, double vision, flashes of light, or swelling, visit your eye doctor as soon as possible. Decreased vision, eye pain, and circle “halos” around lights are also indications of possible vision problems that should be examined as soon as possible.
At Optometry Center for Vision Therapy, our staff is dedicated to helping you protect your eye health and will develop a plan for you to ensure your successful treatment. For more information on our adult vision care services or to schedule an appointment, contact our office today.