We often think that routine dental checkups are crucial but when it comes to an eye exam, we think it is okay to skip it. That is just plain wrong.

A comprehensive eye exam can detect many vision problems and other general health issues. If you want to enjoy an excellent vision, then here are some reasons why you should have an eye exam.

#1. Deteriorating Vision Can Affect Your Daily Life Significantly

Your vision can affect even the simplest day-to-day activities. For example, did you know that even to enjoy a meal, researchers claim that you need the ability of crystalline lenses in the eyes to be supple enough to focus the food’s image well onto the retina, and the retina cone cells should be optimally working, in order for you to appreciate the form and color of the food?

Besides, it is said that people in their late 40s to early 50s can start to develop presbyopia, which refers to a gradual loss of the eyes’ ability to focus on nearby objects. For example, some people might develop an increased difficulty for reading.

Now, driving is another activity where good vision is crucial as the driver has to scan the horizon, detect cars, pedestrians and cyclists and also glance at the dashboard. As a result, a thorough eye examination at Valley Vision will help you to have a better vision to cope with your daily activities.

#2. If You Had Eye Surgery Before

Suppose you have had laser refractive surgery in order to correct your short-sight or astigmatism. However, problems can arise if it has been a very long time since you’ve had an eye exam.

For instance, you may start to develop changes in vision, early presbyopia or you may even find it more difficult to read without a pair of spectacles. In addition, some may even develop cataracts. An eye exam will not only help you to prevent these issues but can also examine if there has been any change in your corneal shape over the last years.

#3. Sun Damage

We are exposed to the UV rays every single day. And, sun damage is not only associated with skin cancer, but it can also affect your eyes significantly. Hence, a regular eye exam can screen the potential risks from sun exposure such as macular degeneration and cataracts and if required, you will be given UV-blocking sunglasses.

#4. Allergies

For those who suffer from hay fever and other such allergies, they know how vulnerable the eyes are to the burning, itching, redness and overall irritation. With the rise in pollen and allergen counts, it is recommended to make an appointment with a trusted eye doctor so as to know how to better manage the symptoms. For example, the eye doctor will make sure you are not accidentally causing damage by scratching, rubbing or touching your eyes and can also prescribe medicines.

#5. Eye Exams Help Children Succeed in School

Now, I am addressing to all parents. Did you know that 80 % of what children are supposed to learn at school requires good vision?

But, what happens to children who are exposed to an increasing amount of screen time? Well, it is obvious that a decreased vision can negatively affect their educational success, athletic ability and also social interactions. Nowadays, studies show that many children are receiving poor grades only because they cannot see the blackboard. Besides, this results in a loss of desire to learn in them.

So, like all parents, recognize the importance of a routine dental care, similarly, an annual eye exam is essential to ensure the educational success of your child.

#6. Early Detection Means Early Treatment and Better Outcome

As many doctors often claim, the early stages of an illness represent an opportunity for which timely detection and treatment can either stop, control or slow down the worsening of the disease.

And, even if you do not have any sight-threatening disease, a comprehensive eye examination can still help you to avoid less serious eye conditions such as dry eye or digital eye strain.

Moreover, as it often said, the eyes are also the windows to the soul. It means that an eye exam can also help to detect other medical conditions related to the rest of the body. For instance, did you know that people with diabetes, high blood pressure or abnormal levels of cholesterol experience changes in their eyes’ blood vessels? Therefore, an eye examination represents a window of opportunity to detect other health conditions.

We only have two eyes. So, if you want to enjoy an excellent vision, contact Valley Vision for an eye exam.