Posted by: Jeffrey T. Lynch, M.D., M.P.H. in Well Vision

Associated Eye Care

As we begin another new year in the St. Croix Valley, it’s a perfect time to prioritize our health. Most people recognize the importance of visiting a primary care physician for routine health checkups and scheduling regular dental cleanings for oral hygiene. But did you know that seeing your eye doctor regularly is just as essential? Routine eye exams are a vital step to maintaining or even improving your vision, and they are crucial at every stage of life.

Why Eye Exams Matter

Improving the sharpness of your vision is important because clear sight enhances education, productivity, safety, and overall quality of life. In fact, more than 150 million Americans rely on vision correction. However, vision correction is just one reason to prioritize eye exams. Regular exams also play a critical role in detecting eye diseases early, helping to preserve your vision for years to come.

Many eye diseases develop without noticeable symptoms until they are advanced, making them harder to treat. A comprehensive dilated eye exam by an optometrist or ophthalmologist can uncover these conditions early, when interventions are most effective at preventing vision loss.

What Happens During an Eye Exam?

During a comprehensive eye exam, your doctor evaluates the function of your eyes, including:

  • Visual acuity (sharpness)
  • Peripheral vision
  • Depth perception
  • Eye alignment and movement
  • Eye pressure

The external and internal anatomy of your eyes will also be examined. Dilating eye drops are often used to enlarge your pupils temporarily, allowing the doctor to thoroughly assess the inside of your eyes. Some individuals may be able to avoid dilation by using a specialized camera to look at the inside fo tohe eyes. These exams can even detect broader health issues, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and, in rare cases, serious conditions like brain tumors.

Common Eye Conditions to Watch For

Early detection and treatment are critical to preventing permanent vision loss from common eye diseases, such as:

  • Amblyopia: Reduced vision in children, often due to strabismus (eye misalignment) or differing prescriptions in each eye.
  • Cataracts: Age-related clouding of the lens, the leading cause of vision loss in the U.S.
  • Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to the eye’s blood vessels caused by diabetes, the leading cause of blindness in American adults.
  • Glaucoma: A group of diseases that damage the optic nerve, often affecting peripheral vision.
  • Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Gradual breakdown of cells needed for central vision.

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

Children’s eyes should be checked regularly by an eye doctor or a primary care provider. Vision screening on all children (usually performed at school or at the primary care provider’s office) should be done at least once between age 3 and 5 years to detect amblyopia or risk factors for the disease. The majority of children should have several vision screenings during childhood.
It is recommended that children have a comprehensive dilated eye exam if they:

  • Fail a vision screening
  • Cannot be reliably tested during a screening
  • Have vision complaints or abnormal visual behavior
  • Have risk factors such as a family history of eye problems or medical conditions like diabetes

For adults with no known medical eye conditions or symptoms, Associated Eye Care recommends the following exam schedule:

However, if you experience sudden vision changes, eye pain, double vision, or symptoms like flashes or floaters, don’t wait for your next scheduled appointment. See an eye doctor immediately.

Vision Health as Part of Wellness

As the U.S. population ages, the number of people with blindness or visual impairment is expected to double by 2030 and triple by 2050. Encouraging your friends and family to prioritize vision care as part of their overall wellness plan can help reduce these statistics.

Regular eye exams can have a life-changing impact by preserving vision, improving quality of life, and supporting long-term health. Make 2025 the year you prioritize your vision health.

Take the First Step

Start the year off right by scheduling a comprehensive eye exam for yourself and your loved ones. Protecting your vision today can safeguard your quality of life for years to come.