Many people think going to the eye doctor is just for updating a prescription or grabbing a new pair of glasses or contacts. But did you know that a comprehensive eye exam can detect a wide range of eye conditions and even some systemic health issues? It’s much more than just reading letters on a chart. Your eyes can reveal a great deal about your overall health, and getting regular check-ups can help catch potential issues early on. Let’s explore some of the conditions a comprehensive eye exam can detect.
Vision issues
One of the most common reasons people visit an eye doctor is for a vision check. A comprehensive eye exam can detect various vision issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia (the gradual loss of your eyes’ ability to focus on close-up objects). Even if you think your vision is fine, your brain accommodates gradual vision changes, so you may not even realize there have been changes and that your vision could be better. By conducting a series of tests, your eye doctor can determine if you need glasses or contact lenses to correct your vision or if your prescription needs to be updated.
Eye diseases
A comprehensive eye exam can also detect early signs of eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration. These conditions often develop slowly over time and may not have noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Regular eye exams are crucial for catching these issues before they progress and cause permanent vision loss.
Systemic issues
Your eye doctor can also detect a number of medical conditions during your eye exam, including stroke risks, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, and even certain cancers. For example, high blood pressure and diabetes can damage the blood vessels in your eyes, leading to conditions like hypertensive retinopathy or diabetic retinopathy. By examining the blood vessels and optic nerve in your eyes, your eye doctor can see the beginning stages of these health issues.
Eye coordination problems
Some people may experience difficulties with eye coordination or focus that affect their ability to see clearly or comfortably. A comprehensive eye exam can identify issues like strabismus (crossed eyes), amblyopia (lazy eye), or convergence insufficiency that impact how both eyes work together. Your doctor may recommend vision therapy or other treatments to help improve these coordination problems and enhance your visual comfort.
Preventative eye care
A comprehensive eye exam is not just about detecting problems—it’s also about preventing them in the future. Your eye doctor will provide recommendations for protecting your eyes from harmful UV rays, reducing digital eye strain from prolonged screen time, and maintaining good habits for optimal eye health. You can preserve your vision for many years by staying proactive with regular exams and following their advice.
Schedule your comprehensive eye exam today
Don’t wait until you notice changes in your vision. SIGHT offers comprehensive eye exams in West Hartford, Connecticut that are much more thorough than a vision screening. Using cutting-edge diagnostic technology, we can spot early signs of many eye diseases before you even notice symptoms. We can also help identify and treat vision problems that may be affecting your quality of life. Contact us today to book an appointment. Let’s keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear!