Make getting your comprehensive eye exam a priority if you haven’t already!
A lot of people make the decision to visit an eye clinic only when they notice a change in their vision. We understand it’s easy to forget about scheduling regular eye appointments if you’re seeing clearly and everything appears to be fine. But whether you notice a change or not, having regular checkups with an eye care professional is essential for maintaining the health of the eye and keeping your vision the best it can be.
In fact, comprehensive eye examinations can help your doctor identify a multitude of underlying health issues that may lead to problems with your sight down the road. And a lot of these issues may not produce any symptoms in the early stages, making regular eye exams that much more important. Comprehensive eye exams not only help your doctor detect potential threats to your vision, but they can also provide a means of discovering other health complications that might be developing, like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and even brain tumors.
How often should I have a comprehensive eye exam?
There are several factors that determine the answer, such as the patient’s age, family history, whether glasses or contacts are worn, and if there is a specific risk for developing certain eye diseases. For most healthy individuals under the age of 50, comprehensive eye examinations should take place at least once every two years. Contact lens wearers, people with a family history of eye disease, people with certain existing health conditions, or those 50 and over should have an exam at least once per year. And as Farragut EyeCare Optical Optometrist Gregory Everett, O.D., points out, there are patients who should be seen even more regularly.
“A general rule of thumb is that people 50 and under who are healthy should have a comprehensive eye exam at least once every two years. People with greater risk for eye diseases, those with certain existing health conditions, and people over 50 should be seen at least once per year,” Everett said. “However, if mild forms of chronic disease are present, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, I typically want to see my patients at least once every six months to monitor the condition and make sure it has not progressed.”
Dr. Everett went on to explain that he and the rest of the staff at EyeCare Optical perform screenings for a gamut of conditions that can affect your visual health, including:
- Dry Eye
- Allergies
- Diabetic Eye Disease
- Glaucoma
- Macular Degeneration
- Cataracts
- Retina Disorders
- High Blood Pressure
- High Cholesterol
Of course, EyeCare Optical also performs standard refraction for eyeglass and contact lens wearers to make sure the patient has the best possible prescription. EyeCare Optical also features technology like the optomap®, which provides a clear ultra widefield image of the retina without the need for dilation, and the iCare® Tonometer, which checks the pressure of your eyes minus that unpopular puff of air! Visual Field tests are also available if glaucoma is present or suspected.
Bottom line, being vigilant about scheduling regular eye appointments can greatly help your doctor develop an individualized plan for your visual health as well as any necessary treatment options to address or prevent a variety of eye conditions that could potentially affect (or even rob you of) your precious sight.
At EyeCare Optical, our experienced staff of board-certified Optometrists have all the knowledge and expertise, as well as access to the most innovative eye care technology, to promote your ideal eye health and detect any problems that may be hiding just below the surface. Patients can also easily receive the appropriate next-level care by being referred to one of our Ophthalmologists with Drs. Campbell, Cunningham, Taylor & Haun, should the need for specialized care arise.
With six convenient locations in East Tennessee, including North Knoxville (Fountain City), Hardin Valley, Oak Ridge, Farragut, Maryville, & Sevierville, it’s more than likely that it’ll only take just a short drive for most people to get the eye care they need. Just search “EyeCare Optical near me” online or pick up the phone and give us a call at (865) 584-0905 today to schedule your next eye exam. Your vision is absolutely priceless, so don’t put off your comprehensive eye exam any longer!
