Your eyes can tell a lot about your health. Dr. Gregory Jackson with Premier Medical says that getting routine eye exams not only can help correct vision problems, it can also find chronic systemic diseases like diabetes. This is why it’s so important to get regular eye exams, no matter how old you are or your physical health you can always use a check-up.

Here’s everything you should know about getting routine eye exams:

What does an eye exam involve?
During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor will check a few things. First, they will evaluate your eyes for glasses and contacts. Then they will take a look at how your eyes are working. Finally, they will check your eyes for eye diseases and problems that could lead to vision loss.

Take a look at the chart below to see what your eye doctor will be looking for:

Who should get eye exams?

Adults should have their eyes tested to keep their prescriptions current and check for signs of eye diseases like glaucoma.

Children need their eyes regularly examined to ensure proper vision development as well as having visual skills needed for school.

How often should you have an eye exam?
Dr. Gregory Jackson says, “Adults should have an eye exam every year due to the risk of glaucoma and macular degeneration. Contact lens wearers should be checked every year. Children’s eye exams vary, but once a year is average.”

Vision Screening vs Eye Exam
Vision screenings are limited eye tests used to identify possible vision problems. A vision screening is not as thorough nor is it performed by an eye doctor. A comprehensive eye exam, on the other hand, is performed by an eye doctor who carefully tests all aspects of your vision and provides treatment options.

Dr. Jackson wants to remind everyone that eye exams aren’t just for when you’re having trouble. Everyone needs regular check-ups to safeguard their vision. Schedule your exam today.
Resources:
http://www.allaboutvision.com/eye-exam/importance.htm