An extensive eye exam is typically done to check your vision and overall eye health. It is one of the primary steps to protect your eyes and keep your vision clear and sharp. A comprehensive eye screening, however, is unlike a prescription test at the optometrist’s. This is done by licensed ophthalmologists, who can identify various eye and health issues by examining everything from the surface to the internal composition of your eye.

 

It may seem intimidating to get a comprehensive eye check up, but it is a critical step in maintaining optical health. Here is why you should have regular sessions.

How Often Should You Get a Comprehensive Eye Screening?

If you are under 40 years old, you should get an extensive eye exam every 2-4 years. Those aged 40 to 54 years old must go every 1-3 years, while ages 55 to 65 and older have theirs every 1-2 years. Other factors that affect the frequency of your eye exams are previous ocular conditions, medical and family history, and other symptoms encountered.

7 Reasons Why Regular Comprehensive Eye Check Up is a Must

• Early prevention of eye and health problems.

Getting an extensive eye exam is a preventive measure for common eye problems. During an eye test, an ophthalmologist tests your visual acuity (clarity of vision), vision depth, overall eye health, color, light, and peripheral vision, focusing, and refraction. These factors can determine a number of eye and health-related problems.

 

Eye-related problems:

• Cataracts
• Glaucoma
• Refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism)
• Retinal detachment
• Macular degeneration

 

Health-related problems:

• Cancer (eye cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, etc.)
• Diabetes / diabetic retinopathy
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Thyroid disease

 

Detected optical issues can be treated by a reliable, licensed eye clinic once you are diagnosed. However, in case your ophthalmologist sees symptoms of suspected health-related problems, you may be recommended to a specialist to undergo further screening. 

• Avoid vision loss.

Visual acuity tests alone cannot identify the root cause of vision loss. A comprehensive eye exam should include a visual field test/perimetry, fundoscopy, or tonometry to spot symptoms that are not easily noticeable. This way, early detection allows doctors to administer treatment before vision loss accelerates or becomes permanent.

• Checking your prescription.

Vision errors like nearsightedness (myopia), farsightedness (hyperopia), and astigmatism can be detected through an acuity or refraction test. This part of a comprehensive eye check up also decides whether you need corrective eyewear. Patients who prefer to correct their vision without obstructive eyewear can also choose to undergo LASIK eye surgery, if they are a good candidate for such treatment.

• Address age-related vision problems.

Senior citizens and adults over the age of 40 are recommended to get a comprehensive eye check up regularly to manage age-related eye problems. Some of the most common conditions experienced with age are:

 

• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) – Thinning of the macula, or center of the retina, leading to central vision loss.
• Cataracts – Cloudy or opaque spots on the eye’s lens. It can cause blurring and difficulty seeing in low light environments.
• Diabetic Retinopathy – Progressive damage to the blood vessels, affecting the retina and causing cloudy vision. It is common in people with diabetes.
• Dry Eye – Insufficient or low-quality tears are produced, which can cause blurry vision and discomfort.
• Glaucoma – Eye diseases that are caused by optic nerve damage. It typically starts with the loss of peripheral vision and can progress to total blindness if not treated immediately.
• Retinal Detachment – The retina is separated from the attached tissue as a result of eye or head trauma, diabetes, or other eye disorders.
  
  

• Prevent genetic eye conditions.

It is possible to inherit eye conditions like glaucoma, retinitis pigmentosa, and congenital cataracts through your genes. If your family has a history of eye diseases, it is recommended to visit a trusted eye doctor to get checked. The importance of eye exams lies primarily in prevention, and in this case, risks of hereditary eye problems can be detected and treated while it is still possible.

• Adapt a healthier lifestyle for your eyes.

Even if your eyes are pronounced healthy or free from potential risks, a check up is also beneficial to know how to take care of your eyes. An ophthalmologist can guide you in choosing foods that are rich in vitamins to boost eye health, like vitamin A, lutein, and omega-3. An in-depth assessment can also personalize your daily habits so you can adapt better practices to protect your eyes. This includes sleeping early, minimizing prolonged exposure to the sun and UV light, exercising, and avoiding vices.

• Preparation for laser eye surgery.

If you plan to undergo laser treatment for existing refractive errors or other eye conditions, a comprehensive eye screening is the very first step. Some of the factors your ophthalmologist measures during a screening include your corneal thickness, refraction, fluid pressure, the front and back of your cornea, and more. This is a must to determine whether you are a good candidate for treatments like LASIK eye surgery, PRK, or ICL. 

 

It is easy to disregard the importance of regular eye exams until your vision problems get worse. Regular check-ups and diagnosis can easily prevent future complications from happening. Do not wait until your eye health is on the line and consult a trusted eye doctor as early as possible.

 

ALSO READ: Why You Must Identify Astigmatism Symptoms As Early As Possible

 

AsPac Eye Laser & Surgicenter is an all-around eye clinic in Laguna that offers comprehensive eye screening. Eye exams are the starting point for all our diagnostic and treatment services, helping you prevent the development and progression of severe conditions like glaucoma, vision loss, or blurry eyes. Our team of expert eye doctors is also capable of various laser eye treatments like LASIK or PRK. Message us today to get patient-centered eye care.