Top 8 Reasons Why Yearly Eye Exams Are Important

Zoomer | July 8th, 2020

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We visit our dentist for an annual check-up to make sure that our teeth and gums are healthy. Well, seeing your eye doctor falls into the same kind of category for the overall maintenance of your eye health. An eye exam is essentially a routine check-up, but there are other reasons why it is important to see your optometrist yearly. Here is why!

1. Your Vision Changes Over Time

Our vision does change over time. As we age, the lenses in our eyes lose their elasticity causing a condition called Presbyopia. Presbyopia causes difficulties to see objects up-close. It typically starts to manifest itself around the age of 40 to 45. When reading becomes difficult and you find yourself moving your hand further away from your face to focus on the writing, it may be time to consult your eye doctor!

People with other types of refractive errors like myopia and astigmatism, should also not forget that they need to make sure their eyewear prescription is up-to-date to ensure that their vision is properly corrected.

2. Early Diagnosis of Underlying Eye Conditions

Once your eyesight has been checked, the optometrist verifies if there are any underlying eye health issues that may be present but asymptomatic. Certain eye conditions do not present immediate symptoms. They can be harming your eyes and damaging your sight and you would not even be aware of it. Your optometrist can detect these eye conditions early on, during a comprehensive eye exam, and can prescribe treatment to slow down the progression. Here are four of the conditions your optometrist looks out for during your eye exam:

3. Eye Health is Linked to Your Overall Health

Your eyes can say a lot about your overall health. Your optometrist can identify certain health issues and refer you to your GP or a specialist depending on what they find. Through your eye exam, the eye doctor can detect some of the following diseases:

  • Hypertension
  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol
  • Autoimmune disorders
  • Thyroid disease
  • Certain types of cancer

4. Avoid Eyestrain

We live in a digital world where our smartphones, tablets and computers have become essential in our daily lives, whether it be at work or at home. With this dependence on technology, our eyes may be suffering. Eyestrain has become prevalent in our society today and your eye doctor can help relieve the symptoms of this nuisance. Of course, there are “home remedies” you can try that can definitely be effective, but your eye doctor is the best person to give you those extra pointers and possible treatments, depending on the severity of your condition.

5. Innovations & Advancements in Technology

Maybe your eyesight has not changed in years and you have chosen not to upgrade your glasses. But, did you know that the eye care industry is constantly innovating, bringing new technologies to the forefront with lighter and more precise lenses for your glasses and contact lenses. There are also contact lenses that can now transition to give your eyes UV protection. That’s right! You contact lenses aficionado can now use this new technology for added protection! There are so many cutting-edge products available on the market nowadays that can be adapted to your specific needs. Your optometrist is the key to providing you with all of the solutions you may need.

6. Eye Protection

We often take our eyes for granted. Forgetting to protect them from harmful UV rays with a quality pair of sunglasses. We tend to omit to eat a healthy diet which can also be extremely beneficial for your eye health. Hydration and exercise may take a backseat during the times when we are too busy to stop for a much-needed drink of water or to do those squats for a necessary workout. All of these are crucial for your eye health and your optometrist can walk you through the specifics, because after all, your eye doctor wants nothing but the best for your eyes!

7. Allergies

Many people suffer from allergies, some seasonally and others who are affected all year round. Your eye doctor can help! During your routine eye exam, treatment options can be discussed to help you deal with the symptoms that can irritate your eyes.

8. Insurance Coverage

Most insurance companies cover eye exams and eyeglasses. Why not use this benefit to ensure that your eyes are, and remain healthy for a long time to come!

Our eyes are an important sense and the utmost care for them should be a priority! Call to book your appointment with one of our IRIS optometrist!

CARP members receive exceptional benefits at IRIS:

  • $150 towards any complete pair of prescription eyewear (frame and lenses valued at $250 or more) or prescription sunglasses
  • $50 towards the purchase of an annual supply of contact lenses
  • $50 towards non-prescription sunglasses valued at $100 or more
  • $500 towards vision correction procedures at our ophthalmology clinic in Laval, Quebec
  • $25 towards the purchase of 3 or more bottles of Eye Omega Benefits 240 Gel Caps

Register with CARP and receive your IRIS Benefits. Visit www.carp.ca.