Looking after your eyes is paramount to preventing, identifying, and treating any sight problems that might become serious over the course of time. For this reason, it is crucial to select the best Lexington eye doctor who can offer you a wide range of eye exams and services.
But, once you have found your eye doctor in Lexington, do you know how often you should visit them? From regular check-ups to more in-depth consultations that look at specific problems, knowing when to schedule your eye exams is very important. Read on to find out when you should do so.
Why Are Eye Exams so Important?
First things first. Let’s clarify why attending eye exams is so crucial for every one of us. Eye visits performed by your Lexington eye doctor are a lot more than simply reading rows of increasingly small letters out loud.
They are the best, if not the only, way to spot any minimal changes within your eyes, at any given time. During an eye exam, your Lexington eye doctor will use some pretty amazing equipment to have an in-depth look into both your eyes.
Most of the time, they will be able to reassure you that all is well. In some cases, though, they might identify something concerning, and talk to you about the possible causes and treatments. For example, did you know that more than 3 million Americans every year get diagnosed with glaucoma?
This is a very serious eye condition in which the optic nerves get damaged, sometimes to the point of causing blindness. And while glaucoma is more common within the aging population, it can be detected in people of any age. There are two main types of glaucoma, and even though the symptoms can be very apparent, it’s only with a comprehensive eye test that it can be picked up.
If You Need a Regular Eye Check-Up
People who don’t have any sight issues might be tempted to skip their routine eye check-ups. However, just as you would (and should) see your dentist for a standard appointment at least once a year even if you’re not experiencing any problems, you should do the same for your eye tests.
Visiting an eye doctor once every two years is the current recommendation for people with good sight. This, of course, includes children too, according to the American Optometric Association.
If You Already Wear Glasses or Contact Lenses
The situation changes a little in the case of people who already know that they have an eye problem, and are wearing corrective lenses to improve their sight. If that’s you, then you should consider booking your eye exams a bit more often, such as once a year.
Once again, this applies to both adults and children who wear glasses or contact lenses. It’s essential to schedule your appointments with more frequency in order to keep your eyes closely monitored and in good health. Getting regular eye tests is also important so that you can be sure to wear your most recent and suitable prescription lenses.
If You Have Started to Experience Unusual Symptoms
Have you recently started to notice anything unusual, or even painful, about your eyes? If that’s the case, then you will need to see your Lexington eye doctor right away.
This applies to both people who already suffer from an existing eye problem and people who have never had problems before. What specific symptoms should you pay particular attention to?
The sudden onset of issues like blurred vision, eye pain, redness, and eye discharge may require the prompt intervention of a specialist. It doesn’t matter if, technically, you aren’t due another eye visit for a few more weeks or months: call your doctor straight away.
If You Have Diabetes
Diabetes (both type 1 and type 2) is another very important reason why you should visit your eye doctor with regularity. This is because diabetes often leads to eye problems, particularly in older patients.
High levels of sugars in the blood of diabetic people can damage the delicate blood vessels in the retinas. This can ultimately generate the onset of a condition called diabetic retinopathy.
As an individual with diabetes, you are automatically at a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, which makes regular eye checks a priority. In the case of a confirmed diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy, your Lexington eye doctor will be able to advise on the best treatment for you.
In the early stages of the illness, it’s vital that you keep your diabetes under control. But if your diabetic retinopathy has started to affect your sight, then you’ll have other options, such as laser treatment, eye injections, and eye surgery.
Don’t Put It Off: Book a Visit With Your Lexington Eye Doctor Today
Whether you already suffer from a pre-existing eye condition, or if you would like to check the health of your eyes, scheduling an eye exam is the best way to look after your sight.
Make sure that you see your Lexington eye doctor at least once every two years for regular check-ups, and once a year if you wear glasses or contact lenses. If you have started experiencing any new and concerning symptoms, then get in touch with your eye doctor right away.
At the Kentucky Eye Institute, we are committed to taking the best care of your eyes, and the eyes of your whole family. Find out more about our practice, and come visit us soon for your next eye appointment.