Eye Care Services, Eye Exam, Eye Health

Everybody can agree that our eyes are one of the most important parts of our body. As a result, protecting them is essential, especially since there are many disorders that can affect our eyes’ health. Fortunately, one of the easiest ways to take care of our eyes is to get regular eye exams. But why are they so important, and how often should you get an eye exam?

Why Are Eye Exams Important?

Eye exams involve a series of tests that evaluate your vision and check for any eye diseases. In fact, eye exams are the only way to discover eye problems at their earliest stage, when they are most treatable. Not only that, but eye exams can also detect certain health issues that aren’t eye-related, such as diabetes and lupus. Therefore, eye exams are vital to maintaining your health.

How Often Should You Get One?

If you don’t have any symptoms or vision issues, most doctors recommend that you get an eye exam at least once every couple of years. However, how often you should check with a specialist also depends on your age:

  • Ages 65 and up: Every one to two years
  • Ages 55 to 64: Every one to three years
  • Ages 40 to 54: Every two to four years
  • Ages 20 to 39: Every four to five years

Keep in mind that you should get an eye exam more frequently if you wear contact lenses or glasses, or have a family history of eye disease. Additionally, getting your kid checked before entering first grade is a great way to prevent childhood problems such as lazy eye and crossed eyes.

What Should You Expect from an Eye Exam?

During a comprehensive eye exam, your doctor will test the sharpness of your vision up close and at a distance. More specifically, you’ll have to read letters from a special eye chart. Besides that, the doctor will shine a small light into your eyes to check your eye muscles and pupils. Other standard tests will check your color perception, 3D vision, and peripheral vision. And lastly, the doctor may direct a puff of air into your eye to check for any signs of glaucoma.

It’s important to mention that some doctors will use eye drops to dilate your pupils in order to examine the nerves in the back of your eyes and the blood vessels. Please note that your vision will take several minutes to an hour to readjust and get rid of fogginess.

Schedule Your Eye Exam Now

Overall, getting an eye exam is a great way to make sure that your eyes are in good shape. Not only can it help prevent serious eye disorders, but it can also help detect other health issues. And best of all, eye exams are quick, painless, and 100% reliable.

So, are you ready for your next eye exam? Then give Dr. Schnipper a call and relax, knowing that you are in good hands!