Most people would agree that vision is priceless. The eyes are among the most important and sensitive organs of the body. Unfortunately, many people do not take proper care of their eyes, leading to eye and vision issues.

Regular visits to the eye doctor do more than check your vision. Your eyes can provide eye doctors with vital information about various health conditions. They can spot signs of specific health issues before other symptoms appear. So, regular eye checkups should be part of your regular wellness checks.

Regular eye exams are critical for maintaining healthy vision. They do so by detecting and treating any vision problems or underlying conditions. During an eye examination, your eye doctor will check your eyesight and eye health. They will then provide treatment or follow-up care recommendations as needed. Some of the reasons to schedule regular exams include the following:

Early Detection of Eye Diseases

Early signs of eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration are visible during an eye exam. Since these diseases are often treatable or manageable if detected early, regular checkups are essential for maintaining healthy vision.

For example, glaucoma damages the optic nerve, resulting in vision loss. In the early stages, they usually show no symptoms. However, an eye doctor can detect signs of the disease during an eye exam. Early detection and treatment can help prevent vision loss.

Early Detection and Treatment of Refractive Errors

Eye doctors can detect myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism during an eye exam. These issues are often treatable with glasses, contacts, or surgery. Early detection and treatment of vision issues can help keep them from worsening. For example, prescription glasses or contacts can help address the problem if you have mild myopia. Left untreated, it can worsen over time and lead to more severe vision problems.

Assessment of Overall Health

Your eyes can reveal important information about your overall health. Since the eye connects to the rest of the body via blood vessels and the optic nerve, problems with it can indicate other health issues.

For example, diabetes can alter the blood vessels in the eye, while hypertension can alter the optic nerve. These changes are visible during a comprehensive eye exam, alerting your eye doctor to the possibility of underlying health issues.

Diagnosing Allergy Problems

Allergies are a good reason to get regular eye exams. People who suffer from eye allergies understand how distressing they can be. A rise in pollen and other allergens can lead to an increase in eye allergies.

Itching, redness, burning, and swollen eyelids are among the symptoms of eye allergies. Early diagnosis can help with symptom management. Your eye doctor can prescribe medication to alleviate your symptoms and improve your eye health.

Conclusion

Eye care professionals generally recommend an annual comprehensive eye examination, depending on your age, family history, and other risk factors. You may require more frequent checkups if you have a specific eye condition or problem. For example, those with diabetes may need annual eye exams to monitor changes in their vision and eye health.

For more on routine eye exams, visit Coastal Vision Medical Group at our Chino, Irvine, Long Beach, or Orange, California offices. Call (888) 501-4496 to schedule an appointment today.