A yearly visit to the optometrist may be something that gets put off. It may happen once due to a schedule conflict and then becomes easier to push to the wayside. People may assume there is no rush because the eyesight seems fine, so there may be little obvious reason to get that initial visit out of the way. If fear of the unknown is keeping you away from the eye doctor, it is a good idea to get a handle on what you can expect during routine trips.
The eyes may be an afterthought for many only because there do not seem to be any symptoms or problems. People may only start going to the eye doctor when vision becomes blurry or there is pain. However, sometimes the signs of eye issues come on slowly, and as such, when issues do come up, there may already be permanent damage. With an increase in screen time across work and home, the need to ensure the eyes stay healthy is significant.
Do not wait until the road in front becomes a blur to book that appointment. At check-in, report any hereditary vision problems. Also, talk about any and all issues or concerns. An eye doctor looks for more than just vision changes at the yearly checkup. There are other conditions that may not be noticed until a person is under the expert lens of an optometrist.
The Mayo Clinic reports that glaucoma is the primary cause of blindness in people aged 60 and above. At the regular yearly appointment, the doctor establishes a baseline reading of the pressure behind the eye. An increase in this pressure can cause irreversible damage to the optic nerve. While there are times when glaucoma can develop suddenly and without warning, getting a yearly test may help head it off before it happens.
The sun's powerful UV rays do damage to the eyes. While sunscreen may help protect the skin, it does not offer protection for the eyes. Getting an appropriate pair of UV-blocking sunglasses may do the trick when it comes to keeping those harmful rays out of the eyes. Failure to do so may result in cancer, cataracts and macular degeneration. These conditions can be irreversible.
The eyes can become overwhelmed with pollen and dust, leading to the urge to scratch an itch. Watery eyes may appear red, and the pressure may build in the sinuses, causing headaches and eye pain. Allergies may be common but may not always be easy to spot. A yearly check-in with the optometrist may help hone in on those allergies and get relief, especially in the peak allergy seasons.
Visiting the optometrist should become part of an annual routine to maintain good body health. Aside from correcting any problems to the vision, these specialty doctors can help diagnose serious conditions before permanent and life-altering damage occurs.
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