Visiting an optometrist is much more than just getting a new prescription for glasses. A comprehensive eye exam can detect health issues that would otherwise go unnoticed. If you notice any changes in your vision, it is essential to see an optometrist immediately. These appointments are affordable and typically covered by insurance.
Early Diagnosis of Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a sneaky eye disease that usually doesn’t cause any symptoms. It is usually only diagnosed after it causes severe vision loss – but this can be reversed with early treatment! Regular eye exams can help prevent glaucoma. Your doctor can use medicated eye drops to widen your pupils and examine the blood vessels and nerves at the back of your eyes for signs of glaucoma. They can also test your peripheral vision for changes that could indicate glaucoma.
It is important to visit your optometrist regularly, especially if you are a woman over 40 or have a family history of glaucoma. It’s also important for people with diabetes or other health conditions that can impact the production and drainage of eye fluid. In addition to examining your optic nerve, your eye doctor will check your eye pressure and perform visual field tests, which can detect peripheral vision loss due to glaucoma.
Early Diagnosis of Vision Loss
You regularly see your doctor and dentist for annual checkups, so why not make sure you visit the best rated optometrist near me, too? Just as seeing a doctor or dentist can reveal clues about your general health, regular visits to the optometrist will allow them to spot long-term eye issues like cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. Many eye diseases and conditions do not have noticeable symptoms until the vision is compromised to the extent that they cannot be reversed with surgery or medicine. An optometrist can save your vision by catching glaucoma in its early stages. They may also detect if you suffer from other medical conditions affecting the eyes, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. In addition, an optometrist can recognize when you are experiencing a sudden and transient loss of vision which could indicate a retinal tear or detachment.
Early Diagnosis of Other Health Issues
An eye exam conducted by an optometrist can detect the onset of other health issues. For example, blurriness can be a symptom of many diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure. An optometrist can easily spot this if you visit your eye doctor regularly. Likewise, a patient with rheumatoid arthritis often has dry eyes. And a patient with a brain tumor may have a swollen optic nerve.
Optometrists can help you avoid headaches and other symptoms of vision loss by detecting these problems early. They can also recommend an ophthalmologist when you need more advanced treatment. Plus, catching problems early costs less than treating them later. Moreover, undiagnosed vision problems in children can lead to poor grades and learning difficulties. Consequently, they need routine visits with an optometrist. This will help them grow up with healthy eyes and good vision.
Preventive Care
Seeing an optometrist is about more than getting your eyeglasses or contact lenses prescription. It is also about preserving your vision and detecting early signs of eye conditions like glaucoma or cataracts.
Most people see an optometrist for a routine eye exam to update their prescription. But they may need to understand that the visits are essential for their overall health and well-being. Health insurance plans typically include optometrists in preventive care coverage.
