Do you skip your yearly eye exam because your vision seems fine? If yes, you are not alone. But eye exams are essential for more than just getting new glasses. They can show signs of health issues you might not be aware of.
 

Your Eyes

Your eyes can tell a doctor more about your health than a casual physical exam. During the exam, eye doctors can spot signs of conditions like:

• Diabetes.

• High blood pressure.

• Certain cancers.
   

Often, these signs show up in the eyes before they manifest elsewhere.
 

Eye Exams Are Not Just About Vision

Regular exams can catch issues like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts early, even before symptoms pop up. These conditions are often asymptomatic in their early stages.
 

Glaucoma, for instance, is sometimes called the silent thief of sight. It can cause permanent damage before you notice any vision loss. So even if your eyesight is 20/20, those annual checkups do more than you realize.
 

The Link Between Eye Health and Chronic Diseases

Your eye doctor might notice the tiny blood vessels in your retina looking unusual. That could be an early clue to diabetes or high cholesterol. If ignored, these conditions could lead to complications like diabetic retinopathy or even stroke.
 

Regular eye exams can help monitor existing conditions, too. For example, do you have diabetes? Your eye doctor will check for changes in your eyes, which might mean it is time to adjust your treatment plan.
 

Who Should Be Getting Checked?

• Children should have their first eye exam before starting school, even if they are not showing any issues. Vision problems can sneakily affect learning and development.

• Adults under 40 should get one every two years unless they have risk factors like a family history of eye disease.

• Adults over 40 or anyone with a chronic condition like diabetes or hypertension should have an eye exam every year.
   

The guidelines vary slightly depending on where you live. However, the takeaway is clear—eye exams are necessary regardless of age.
 

Why Skipping Your Eye Exam Could Cost You

Imagine trying to drive through a foggy windshield. That is what untreated eye conditions can feel like over time. But it is not just about vision. Skipping exams can mean missing the early warnings for more severe health problems.
 

Take age-related macular degeneration (AMD), for example. If caught early, lifestyle changes and treatments can slow its progression. Missing the signs can lead to irreversible vision loss.
 

Prevention Is the Best Medicine

Regular eye exams are preventative care at its finest. You might walk out of your appointment with nothing more than reassurance that everything is fine. You might also catch an issue that changes your entire health trajectory. Either way, it is worth the time.
 

A quick visit once a year can save you from costly treatments, preventable vision loss, or worse, down the road. Plus, who does not like the peace of mind, knowing you are taking care of yourself?
 

Your eyes work hard for you every day. Regular eye examinations are a simple, effective way to protect them and your overall health. So, the next time you contemplate putting off an appointment, remember that it is not just about your eyesight. It is about catching the things you cannot see coming.

For more on regular eye exams, visit Blue Valley Vision of Overland Park at our Overland Park, Kansas, offices. Call (913) 681-2624 or (913) 808-5830 to schedule an appointment today.

 

https://www.cdc.gov/vision-health/about-eye-disorders/why-eye-exams-are-important.html

https://www.allaboutvision.com/eye-exam/importance.htm