Don’t skip your annual eye exam! Often, people don’t realize just how important this routine checkup can be. Eye exams do a lot more than simply check whether you need glasses or not. Catching eye health problems early is often key to preventing severe vision or health issues down the road. During your annual eye exam, your optometrist can detect many health conditions including diabetes, thyroid disease, high blood pressure, and more!
How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?
The recommended frequency of eye exams can vary depending on age and vision conditions. Many eye doctors recommend annual checkups, especially if you wear glasses. It is also recommended that adults receive an eye exam at the age of 40 as this is when many eye conditions become more likely. Your optometrist will inform you if you need to come more frequently throughout the year to check on your eyes.
For children, eye exams should start early to address conditions quickly. Children between 6 months and 5 years old should have their pediatric optometrist check their eyes. If left unaddressed, vision problems in children can lead to a slew of developmental and educational problems. After 5 years old, children can begin to see a regular optometrist.
What to Expect at an Eye Exam
Like most doctor’s appointments, you will be asked various questions regarding your health history, your family’s health history, and other standard questions. Try to give the doctor as thorough and accurate information as possible to receive the best care. You may also ask the doctor questions that you want to know about the appointment or your eye health. During your appointment, the doctor will conduct various tests on your eyes which could include a preliminary test, measuring visual acuity, measuring eye focusing, digital retinal image, eye pressure test, slit-lamp, or the use of an ophthalmoscope. Other tests the optometrist could potentially run are glaucoma screening, refraction test, color vision, etc. After your exam is complete, the doctor should inform you of your results and let you know the next steps.
Call Eyes of Lubbock
If you are looking for a Lubbock, Texas eye doctor, look no further than Eyes of Lubbock. No matter your age or health conditions, Eyes of Lubbock is here to help you with all your vision needs. Call and schedule an eye appointment with us today!
