3 Things To Know If You Need An Eye Examination
Many people will go years without having a comprehensive eye examination and will wonder when or why they should have an eye examination. Understanding the early signs and symptoms of eye conditions and the importance of preventative eye care for severe conditions like glaucoma can help guide when to have an eye examination. Anytime new problems arise – blurry vision, glare, eye pain, etc – it is time to have an eye examination to address the problem and find the underlying cause. Additionally, if there are other risk factors for developing eye conditions – having diabetes or high blood pressure or a family history of eye problems – an eye exam should be done to rule out an early progression of conditions. In a healthy individual with no high risks, it is recommended that an eye examination is performed every two years at least. Knowing your risks and identifying any new symptoms are key to determining whether you should have an eye examination sooner.
New Eye Problems
The easiest way to know that it is time to have an eye examination is when a new problem arises. This can be something that presents slowly over time or is a sudden change.
No matter the type of problem, if there has not been a comprehensive eye examination within the last year, it is likely that the eye doctor will recommend a full eye examination on the same day or soon after the problem resolves.
Common problems that can be experienced include blurry vision, loss of vision, glare or halos around lights, and eye pain or irritation.
All of these types of problems warrant a comprehensive eye examination to determine if there is an underlying or larger issue at hand.
Risks for Eye Conditions at Your Eye Exam
The best way to reduce the chances of losing vision due to progressive eye conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy is to prevent the condition or begin treatment in the early stages of the condition.
Since early detection and treatment are vital for improving the prognosis of these conditions, it is important to identify risk factors for these types of conditions.
A big risk factor is having a family history of one of these types of eye conditions. Having a parent or sibling who is diagnosed with glaucoma is enough to place someone in a glaucoma suspect category with no other associated risks.
Another known risk factor for these types of conditions is associated health concerns – diabetes in particular. Having type one or type two diabetes is a risk for a number of serious eye conditions and should necessitate frequent comprehensive eye examinations.
Routine Eye Examinations with No Problems
Even if you are not having – or at least not noticing – any problems with your eyes and vision, it is important to have routine comprehensive eye examinations at least every other year.
At this visit, eyesight will be checked along with the need for glasses, the health of the eyes, and if there are any ways to improve function or vision.
Having a routine eye examination allows problem-focused examinations later with a solid baseline from a healthy visit.
Our eye doctors at GHEye excel in the prescription of glasses, contact lenses and the diagnosis of a variety of eye diseases. Call our optometrists at (571) 445-3692 to schedule your appointment today to be evaluated for an eye examination. Our eye doctors, Dr. Ally Stoeger and Dr. Jennifer Sun, provide the highest quality optometry services and eye exams in the Gainesville VA and Haymarket VA areas.
Many people will go years without having a comprehensive eye examination and will wonder when or why they should have an eye examination. Understanding the early signs and symptoms of eye conditions and the importance of preventative eye care for severe conditions like glaucoma can help guide when to have an eye examination. Anytime new problems arise – blurry vision, glare, eye pain, etc – it is time to have an eye examination to address the problem and find the underlying cause. Additionally, if there are other risk factors for developing eye conditions – having diabetes or high blood pressure or a family history of eye problems – an eye exam should be done to rule out an early progression of conditions. In a healthy individual with no high risks, it is recommended that an eye examination is performed every two years at least. Knowing your risks and identifying any new symptoms are key to determining whether you should have an eye examination sooner.
New Eye Problems
The easiest way to know that it is time to have an eye examination is when a new problem arises. This can be something that presents slowly over time or is a sudden change.
No matter the type of problem, if there has not been a comprehensive eye examination within the last year, it is likely that the eye doctor will recommend a full eye examination on the same day or soon after the problem resolves.
Common problems that can be experienced include blurry vision, loss of vision, glare or halos around lights, and eye pain or irritation.
All of these types of problems warrant a comprehensive eye examination to determine if there is an underlying or larger issue at hand.
Risks for Eye Conditions at Your Eye Exam
The best way to reduce the chances of losing vision due to progressive eye conditions such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy is to prevent the condition or begin treatment in the early stages of the condition.
Since early detection and treatment are vital for improving the prognosis of these conditions, it is important to identify risk factors for these types of conditions.
A big risk factor is having a family history of one of these types of eye conditions. Having a parent or sibling who is diagnosed with glaucoma is enough to place someone in a glaucoma suspect category with no other associated risks.
Another known risk factor for these types of conditions is associated health concerns – diabetes in particular. Having type one or type two diabetes is a risk for a number of serious eye conditions and should necessitate frequent comprehensive eye examinations.
Routine Eye Examinations with No Problems
Even if you are not having – or at least not noticing – any problems with your eyes and vision, it is important to have routine comprehensive eye examinations at least every other year.
At this visit, eyesight will be checked along with the need for glasses, the health of the eyes, and if there are any ways to improve function or vision.
Having a routine eye examination allows problem-focused examinations later with a solid baseline from a healthy visit.