Why Comprehensive Eye Exams Are So Important and Why You Shouldn't Put Them Off

On your to-do list, scheduling a comprehensive eye exam may not be number one. If you don't have any problems with your vision, it’s common to assume there's no reason to see an eye doctor. 

Having a comprehensive eye exam can be one of the best ways to detect eye diseases early and slow their progression. Most of us may not even think about our vision until we have a problem. But consider an eye exam as a way to protect your vision now and in the future. 

Continue reading for an explanation of what happens during a comprehensive eye exam, common reasons for delaying it, and why it is so critical for your eye health. 
​

What is a comprehensive eye exam?

A comprehensive eye exam is more than a vision screening. The exact tests performed during a comprehensive eye exam vary depending on your age, risk factors, symptoms, and underlying medical conditions.

Commonly included components in a comprehensive eye exam include these: 

• Medical and family history, which may help determine your risk for certain eye diseases
• A visual acuity test to see how clearly your vision is at various distances 
• Measurement of eye pressure, which is a screening tool for glaucoma 
• An evaluation of your eye alignment and movement
• Slit lamp exam, which allows your doctor to view the front and middle parts of your eye under high magnification 
• Examination of the optic nerve and the retina, which may involve retinal imaging or dilation depending on individual needs

​

Why are comprehensive eye exams so vital? 

Many common eye diseases develop slowly over time. They may have no early warning signs and no symptoms in the earliest stages. Your vision could seem perfectly normal while changes are taking place within your eyes.

By the time you start to have symptoms, the eye disease may have progressed to more advanced stages where vision loss has occurred. Fortunately, a comprehensive eye exam can detect certain eye conditions during their earliest stages, including:

• Age-related macular degeneration

• Diabetic retinopathy 
• Glaucoma 
• Cataracts
• Retinal tears or detachments

Early detection of these diseases means treatment starts sooner. This can help reduce the risk of permanent vision loss. 

In addition to diagnosing eye diseases, comprehensive eye exams may also involve monitoring existing eye diseases, recommending various treatment options, updating prescriptions, and identifying signs of systemic diseases such as high blood pressure. 
​

Why do people put off eye exams? 

Most people understand that an eye exam is helpful, but they still may put off scheduling one. There are many common reasons to delay a comprehensive eye exam, including these:

I do not have any vision problems. Having clear vision does not always mean that you don't have a developing eye disease. Certain conditions, such as glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration, may not cause symptoms in the early stages but can be diagnosed through a comprehensive eye exam.  

I am too busy. Life can get busy, and it's easy to put off things that do not seem like a priority, such as routine healthcare. But a comprehensive eye exam may be quicker than many people think. Additionally, investing a small amount of time now may help reduce serious problems later.

I do not want to have my eyes dilated. Some people may not want to have their eyes dilated and worry that they will have blurry vision for the remainder of the day. Dilation may not be needed in every instance. If your eye doctor does recommend dilation, the temporary blurriness is worth it since it can provide valuable information to detect eye diseases.

Even if you are not currently experiencing any symptoms or vision problems, having regularly scheduled comprehensive eye exams is one of the best ways to protect your eye health. An exam is an opportunity to have your eye health evaluated, detect disease, have any questions answered, and preserve your vision for the future.
 
If you have been putting off a comprehensive eye exam, now is the time to schedule an appointment. If you would like to schedule an appointment with one of our eye doctors, please call our office at 508-746-8600.