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 natural time to refocus on our health. Most people recognize the importance of visiting a primary care physician for routine checkups and seeing a dentist for regular cleanings. But regular visits to your eye doctor are just as essential. Comprehensive eye exams are a key part of preventive care at every stage of life—helping to protect, preserve, and sometimes even improve vision.

Why Eye Exams Matter

Clear vision supports learning, productivity, safety, and overall quality of life. More than 150 million Americans rely on glasses or contact lenses to see clearly—but vision correction is only one part of the story.

Routine eye exams also play a critical role in detecting eye disease early. Many serious eye conditions develop quietly, without pain or noticeable symptoms, until they are advanced and more difficult to treat. A comprehensive eye exam allows your eye doctor to identify problems early, when treatment is most effective at preventing permanent vision loss.

What Happens During an Eye Exam?

A comprehensive eye exam evaluates both how well your eyes see and how healthy they are. Depending on your age and medical history, your exam may include an assessment of:

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

Your doctor will also examine the external and internal structures of the eye. Dilating eye drops are often used to temporarily enlarge the pupils, allowing for a thorough view of the retina and optic nerve. In some cases, specialized imaging technology may be used to evaluate the inside of the eyes without dilation.

Because the eyes share blood vessels and nerves with the rest of the body, an eye exam can sometimes reveal signs of systemic conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure—and, rarely, more serious neurologic conditions.

Common Eye Conditions to Watch For

Early detection and treatment are essential to preventing vision loss from many common eye diseases, including:

  • Amblyopia (“lazy eye”): Reduced vision in one or both eyes during childhood, often related to eye misalignment (strabismus) or unequal prescriptions.
  • Cataracts: Clouding of the eye’s natural lens and the leading cause of vision loss in the United States.
  • Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to retinal blood vessels caused by diabetes; the leading cause of blindness among working-age adults.
  • Glaucoma: A group of diseases that damage the optic nerve, often affecting peripheral vision first.
  • Age-Related Macular Degeneration: Progressive damage to the central retina, affecting detailed and reading vision.

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

Children

Children’s vision should be monitored regularly by a primary care provider and/or an eye doctor. Vision screening is recommended at least once between ages 3 and 5 to detect amblyopia or risk factors for vision loss, and most children will undergo several screenings throughout childhood.

A comprehensive dilated eye exam is recommended for children who:

  • 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

Adults

For adults without known eye disease or symptoms, regular eye exams are still important. Exam frequency depends on age, vision needs, and medical history, but many adults benefit from a comprehensive eye exam every 1–2 years. Individuals with diabetes, a family history of eye disease, or existing eye conditions may need exams more frequently.

If you experience sudden vision changes, eye pain, double vision, flashes of light, or new floaters, do not wait for your next scheduled visit—seek care from an eye doctor promptly.

Vision Health as Part of Wellness

As the U.S. population ages, the number of people with visual impairment and blindness is expected to rise significantly over the coming decades. Making vision care a routine part of overall wellness—for yourself and for those you care about—can help reduce avoidable vision loss and maintain independence and quality of life.

Regular eye exams can be truly life-changing. They help preserve vision, support daily function, and contribute to long-term 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 is an investment in your health and quality of life for years to come.