As part of your preventive health care, it's important to schedule regular eye and vision exams. Because some conditions have no obvious symptoms, you may be unaware of problems that can affect your eyesight. Periodic exams can lead to an early diagnosis of various diseases or disorders and possibly save your sight.
Features
When your doctor conducts an eye exam, he or she is checking the overall health of your eyes. The doctor will examine your eye's exterior, the lid and the area around the eye. In addition, she will evaluate your optic nerve, retina and cornea, according to the Mayo Clinic. When the doctor looks into your eyes with a bright light, she is checking for signs of macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts and other serious conditions that can rob you of your sight.
Identification
By getting an eye exam, your doctor can diagnose a "refractive error," a disorder that results in your seeing blurred images. A refractive error means that your eye doesn't bend light correctly, resulting in unclear images. It's also the most common eye problem, according to the Foundation of the American Academy of Ophthalmology. Corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses, typically can correct the problem. Refractive surgery also can be used to correct some refractive disorders.
Benefits
If you already wear corrective lenses, an eye exam can ensure that you're using the correct prescription, according to the American Optometric Association. For people just developing vision problems, an eye exam can reveal whether lenses are needed and determine their necessary strength. In some cases, an eye exam can identify declining vision before the person even notices that his visual acuity has changed. For instance, open-angle glaucoma, a condition that leads to damage to the optic nerve, gives few warning signs before permanent damage has occurred and your vision is compromised.
Considerations
In addition to questions about your eyes and vision, your doctor will ask about your overall health and that of your family. There's a reason for this. A vision exam can detect physical problems beyond your eyes. Serious medical conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, can show symptoms in the eyes, according to the Mayo Clinic. If your doctor sees a problem, she will refer you to an appropriate physician or suggest that you follow-up with your physician.
Warning
All children should have their visual acuity tested by age 5, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology. They also should get vision screening exams during their well-child visits with their pediatrician. As your children grow, it's important to have them checked regularly for any eye or vision problems. Vision difficulties in school can be misdiagnosed as a learning disorder. Your child's inattentiveness in the classroom can be a red flag. Another warning sign is difficulty with reading or comprehension.
