The Importance of Regular Eye Exams as You Age
Our eyes are precious, allowing us to navigate the world around us. As we grow older, it's natural for our eyes to undergo changes that can affect our vision and eye health. Annual eye exams help keep tabs on these changes and any emerging problems before they worsen.
Early Detection
Many eye ailments, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration, often exhibit no symptoms in their initial stages. By the time noticeable symptoms arise, these conditions might have already progressed significantly, leading to the risk of permanent vision loss. Regular eye exams act as proactive measures, providing eye care professionals with the chance to identify potential issues before they take root.
General Health Indicators
The eyes, often referred to as windows to the soul, can also offer insights into your overall health. During an eye exam, eye care professionals might detect signs of chronic conditions like diabetes, cancer, and even certain cardiovascular issues. For example, leaking blood vessels in your eyes could be an indicator of high blood pressure. These early indicators can prompt timely medical intervention.
When to Schedule
According to the American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that persons 18-64 years of age schedule annual comprehensive eye exams to “optimize visual function, evaluate eye changes, and provide for the early detection of sight-threatening eye and systemic health conditions, which is likely to result in earlier diagnosis of eye and vision problems and the prevention or reduction in vision loss.”
Annual eye exams offer a pathway to preserving this precious sense. By identifying issues early, eye care professionals can detect conditions both in the eyes and the body, ensuring that you continue to experience the world in all its beauty as you age.
Sources:
https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/eye-health-for-life/senior-vision?sso=y
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