3 Reasons to Schedule Your Next Comprehensive Eye Exam Today

You probably know that you should be seeing your doctor on a regular basis for a physical. You might be good about scheduling the recommended twice-yearly teeth cleanings, too. But many Americans are less diligent about keeping up with their eye care. In fact, one in ten reports that they haven’t been to the eye doctor in over five years. 

That’s a problem. Regular eye exams — which experts recommend every two years for most folks — go a long way toward protecting your vision and keeping you healthy overall. Plus, here at Edwin Y. Endo, OD & Associates in Aiea, Hawaii, our team can make your eye exam as convenient and comfortable as possible. 

If you haven’t had a comprehensive eye exam in the last two years, here are a few reasons you should schedule one now. 

#1: Your vision changes over time

You know that your body changes as you age. Your eyes are no exception. Around age 40, many people start to develop presbyopia, which is age-related farsightedness. On top of that, you might notice that you have a harder time differentiating between colors or adjusting to new light levels. 

As your eyes change through the years, proper care makes your life easier. Starting to wear corrective lenses if you develop presbyopia can save you from the embarrassment of not being able to read the menu or make out the check at a restaurant, for example. 

#2: Early treatment matters for common eye conditions

A lot of common eye conditions creep in slowly, so much so that you might not notice the symptoms. 

That’s a problem because some eye conditions can’t be reversed. They can, however, be slowed. For example, no treatment currently exists to reverse age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Any vision you lose to this condition won’t come back. 

But if we catch AMD early during your regular eye exam, we can implement treatments to slow its progression, helping you preserve your vision through the years. 

Similarly, early treatment for glaucoma — a leading cause of blindness — helps to prevent vision loss. 

#3: It could clue you in to other health conditions

When checking your eyes, your eye doctor can look for symptoms of specific non-ocular conditions. Diabetes, for example, can cause “floaters” in your vision. In fact, one in five Americans reports that an eye doctor identified a non-eye-related health problem for them. 

An eye exam plays a big role in your overall preventive care, helping you stay on top of your whole-body health. 

If you’re ready to schedule your comprehensive eye exam, call our office or book your visit online today.