Comprehensive Eye Exams | Top Reasons They Are Important

Eye diseases are pretty common, and they can go unnoticed for a long time. Some conditions don’t even have symptoms at first. That’s why you should never take regular trips to your eye specialist for granted. Here are the top reasons why comprehensive eye exams are important:

Early Detection of Glaucoma. Among all serious eye problems, glaucoma is said to be the sneakiest. It’s even referred to as the thief of sight sometimes. This is because it usually develops with no warning signs at all. This progressive eye condition damages the optic nerve, causing vision loss. Once you’ve been diagnosed with this condition, you can no longer reverse the damage. So, how do you prevent it, especially if it begins with no symptoms? The key is early detection. Only a regular comprehensive eye exam can keep your eye health in check. It’s also through this complete and thorough eye exam can you monitor and help minimize the disease’s progression.

It Helps With School Performance. The American Optometric Association confirms that clinical studies show how uncorrected vision problems can impact academic achievement. Every kid has to deal with the increasing demands on their vision as they move up the educational ladder. If they have poor eyesight, this can hold them back and hinder learning. It can make even the simplest but fundamental tasks like reading or writing difficult. You don’t want their classroom to be a stressful and frustrating place. Many parents think that if their child is having vision problems, they will say something. Or that their pediatrician will catch it. Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Kids don’t know what their vision should look like. So, they often will not likely complain or say anything. Only a comprehensive eye exam can determine if your kid, in fact, is struggling because of vision problems.

Vision Screenings Cannot Replace Eye Exams. Many parents often believe that their child can see just fine because they passed their vision screening in school. Even you may think your vision is perfect because you received the same results from a vision screening at the motor vehicle department. More often than not, these assumptions are not correct. There’s a huge difference between a vision screening and a comprehensive eye exam. The former is very basic, often involving only distance visual acuity. But the latter is thorough, allowing detection for both eye and vision problems. Because of its limitations in terms of tests conducted and equipment used, vision screening should never become a substitute for professional vision care.

It Screens Other Severe Health Conditions. Interestingly, eye exams aren’t only about vision. They can tell about your health too. Many people will say that your eyes are the windows to your soul. Eye specialists will respond that they’re windows to the live action of nerves and tissues throughout your entire body. The problems your eye doctor will spot in the eye are usually the earliest manifestations of illness sneaking elsewhere. During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor can detect several surprising health concerns. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, these conditions include aneurysms, brain tumors, and some types of cancers. The exam can also spot diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and even sexually transmitted diseases.

Do you want to schedule your comprehensive eye exam? Contact Perceptions Eye Health & Wellness today in Southport, North Carolina. Call us at (910) 400-1215 to book your appointment.