Regular eye exams with your optometrist in Round Rock should be a part of your health maintenance plan, even if you have not noticed any vision issues. Why? Maintaining optimal vision and eye health is a crucial marker of physical health, well-being, and quality of life.
Read on to learn why the experts at Clearly Eyecare, LLC recommend regular visits for long-term health.
#1 Sudden Changes in Eye Health
It is not unusual for a person’s vision or eye health to change quickly and without warning. For example, major fluctuations in visual acuity typically arise from hormonal changes during pregnancy, puberty, or menopause. A sudden vision change can also be a sign of visual decline from:
- Cataracts
- Macular degeneration
- Diabetic retinopathy and other conditions
It is impossible to accurately diagnose vision or eye health problems without the aid of an eye health specialist. An experienced optometrist like Clearly Eyecare, LLC provides a wide range of general eye care services. You can connect with them for:
- Examinations
- Vision correction with glasses or contacts
- Diagnoses of health conditions that require specialist services
An eye doctor will evaluate your eye health and run checks for abnormalities using state-of-the-art diagnostic tools. Regular eye appointments also help to establish a baseline, making it easier for an optometrist to detect a decline in your vision profile.
#2 An Outdated Prescription
The “one and done” approach to sourcing glasses or contacts is ineffective. It can even prove detrimental to your eye health if your vision declines further. If you already wear glasses or contact lenses, keep the prescription up to date to ensure your eyes have the best care possible.
One solution is to schedule regular eye exams with your optometrist in Round Rock. A service like ours would look for changes in your vision and modify your prescription for maximum visual acuity.
#3 A Decline in Your Vision
An established optometrist like ours offers the diagnostic fortitude to detect virtually any type of visual abnormality. Common conditions that affect vision include the following:
Myopia and Hyperopia
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common condition affecting approximately 41% of all Americans. People with this condition see closer objects clearly, while distant objects appear out of focus. Farsightedness (hyperopia) is also common, with the opposite effect of nearby objects appearing blurry and distant objects in focus.
Both myopia and hyperopia can develop in childhood, which is why routine eye exams for your children can be so crucial. Untreated, these conditions will quickly worsen. It might even increase the likelihood of serious eye disorders developing into adulthood.
Conjunctivitis
The more popular name for this condition is Pink Eye. It is inflammation of the conjunctiva, the delicate membrane covering the white part of the eye. Symptoms include:
- Severe redness of the eyes
- Itching
- Tearing and discharge that dries during sleep and makes it difficult to open your eyes
If you or a loved one experiences symptoms of conjunctivitis, contact your optometrist immediately. It can be a highly contagious infection.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma refers to a group of diseases that gradually damage the optic nerve. These eye diseases are most prevalent in older adults and can cause blindness if untreated. An optometrist like Clearly Eyecare, LLC typically checks for glaucoma as a part of a routine eye exam, as early detection could prevent vision loss.
#4 Rising General Health Issues
Your eyes may be a window to your soul, but they also speak to your overall physical health. A routine eye exam can even detect health issues, such as:
- High Blood Pressure
- Heart disease
- Diabetes
- Kidney Disease
- Stroke
What’s the first thing visitors can expect from their optometrist? Round Rock specialists might want to start by studying the appearance of the retina’s blood vessels to analyze your circulation and organ health. Unsurprisingly, a routine eye exam can result in the early detection of health issues for a more positive outcome.
#5 Conditions That Could Lead to Eye Issues
When should people contact an optometrist? If you experience any of the symptoms below, do not wait to visit professionals like Clearly Eyecare, LLC:
- Eye pain: Pain at the back of the eye is a symptom of glaucoma. The fluid inside the eyeball causes excess pressure. In extreme cases, headache or tunnel vision accompanies eye pain.
- Blurred vision: A symptom of several health issues, blurred vision could arise from conjunctivitis and diabetes. It can also be a side effect of medication.
- Diabetes: Abnormal blood sugar wreaks havoc on the blood vessels in the eyes and frequently leads to vision loss. People with diabetes need to carefully monitor their blood sugar, schedule regular checkups with their primary physician and undergo routine eye exams.
- Pregnancy: Vision changes often occur during pregnancy, including a condition called dry eye. More urgent health issues include high blood pressure and gestational diabetes, which an optometrist should pick up at prenatal vision care appointments.
- LASIK surgery: Are you considering refractive surgery? An optometrist like ours will usually evaluate your eyes and counsel you on the outcomes. We also discuss your expectations and lifestyle to determine whether you are a good candidate.
- Dry eye: When tears do not produce enough lubricant for your eyes, the condition leads to inflammation and damage to the eye’s surface. There are several possible causes of dry eye, but the most common symptoms include:
- A stinging or burning sensation in the eye
- Eye redness
- Light sensitivity
- Discomfort while wearing contact lenses
Do not take your eye health for granted. A skilled optometrist like Clearly Eyecare, LLC will often be able to determine the cause of your condition and prescribe the best treatment for your needs.
Call Us to Learn More About Healthy Vision for Life
Have you had an eye exam recently? If not, or if you notice any changes in your vision, don’t wait to contact a knowledgeable team like ours.
Call Clearly Eyecare, LLC at 512-243-7519 today to schedule an appointment with our experienced optometrist in Round Rock, TX, or the surrounding areas.
