How Necessary Is Preventive Eye Care?

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We are aware going to a doctor is part of taking care of our health. But do you give the same importance to visiting an eye doctor? Eyes are equally vital, and exams at an early age can maintain your vision.

It is worth mentioning that many people are even unaware of vision insurance. Having vision insurance can help you tackle your medical expenses relating to your eyes. The coverage will help you cover the costs of your new eyewear, examinations, or any eye surgery. 

Many people have a notion that their eyesight is fine. However, as they age, they get either a pair of spectacles or contact lenses. A large population is vision correction today, but regular eye exams do not happen for them.

Your Doctor Knows It

Eye diseases can remain unnoticed for a prolonged time and are common without many symptoms in the beginning. A comprehensive dilated eye exam by an eye care professional can help identify the diseases of your eye. It is essential to find out about eye diseases during their early stages so that it does not impact our vision.

The optometrist will check depth perception, eye alignment, visual acuity, and eye movement during the exam. Eyedrops help dilate the pupil to enable the doctor to see your eyes clearly. Your eye doctor may spot other conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure before your general physician identifies them.

Impact of Vision Care

It is critical to diagnose eye diseases early because it can help you prevent some common eye diseases. These diseases have a detrimental effect on the eyes and can lead to permanent damage or blindness:

• Clouding of the lenses or cataracts is a leading concern for vision loss.
• The damage of blood vessels of the back eye or diabetic retinopathy causes blindness among American adults.
• The damage of the optic nerve or glaucoma.
• The gradual breakdown of macula of the retina or age-related macular degeneration.

Data suggests that only 50% of the at-risk population of the US visit an eye doctor in a year. Regular eye checkups can have a long-lasting impact on maintaining proper vision.

Starting Early

Most people think that vision problems start to set in the old ages. However, an eye exam at an early age can ensure proper vision. Less than 40% of preschool children undergo vision tests that help to identify eye diseases.

Reduced vision due to improper coordination between eyes and brains or amblyopia is a common vision problem among children. 2 to 3% of children suffer from vision problems due to amblyopia if not treated during the early days. 

How Often Should You Take Eye Exams? 

Regular visits to an eye care specialist are essential for adults. Can undergo regular checkups at our pediatrician or an eye doctor’s clinic. Experts suggest that all the children in the age bracket of 3 to 5 years should undertake vision screening at least once to identify amblyopia.

A dilated eye exam is a must for adults with diabetes every year. People who are at high risk of glaucoma should have done related eye exam every two years:

• People with a hereditary issue of glaucoma,
• 40 years and older African-American,
• People who are above the age of 60.

Why Should You See a Doctor?

If you notice any of the problems listed below, you cannot delay in booking an appointment with your eye doctor:

• Reduced vision,
• Light flashes,
• Eye redness,
• Halos around a light,
• Eye pain,
• Tiny particles floating before your eyes or floaters,
• Double vision.

Eyes Have a Connection With Diabetes?

One of the most common complications that people with diabetes face is diabetic retinopathy. High blood sugar causes damage to blood vessels of the retina, which is a light-sensitive part. Scarring the retina can lead to a permanent loss of vision.

Diabetic retinopathy is preventable. Early detection and treatment can delay or prevent blindness due to diabetic retinopathy. Data suggests that 90% of blindness due to diabetic retinopathy can have treatments if detected early.

People with diabetes are at a higher risk of other eye diseases like cataracts and glaucoma. You can opt for an eye exam every year to protect and preserve your eye health if you are diabetic.

Way Forward 

The rise in the aging population leads to many suffering from blindness or visual impairment. All of us must encourage people to be aware of their eye health. Taking care of your eyes can help you to enjoy proper vision.