5 Ways an Eye Exam Makes the New Year Better and Brighter

5 Ways an Eye Exam Makes the New Year Better and Brighter

It’s a new year. A fresh start. A time when many of us turn our attention towards improving our overall health and wellness. In fact, health-related New Year’s resolutions are by far the most popular ones. People worldwide resolve to take better care of their bodies, whether it’s eating healthier, exercising more or practicing stress-reduction techniques. But there’s one resolution that eye doctors everywhere want us all to make – schedule an eye exam!

 

As it turns out, our eyes offer a pretty clear view into our overall well-being. Even if you’ve never needed vision correction before, there are many reasons to get an eye exam. Here are a few:

 

1. Visual Correction for Better Quality of Life

Our eyesight affects not only how we see, but also how we feel. It may impact the hobbies we enjoy, our performance at work and school, and even how much down time we experience due to eye strain-related headaches and fatigue. Symptoms of poor visual acuity may show up in unexpected ways.

 

Even if you think you see perfectly, an eye doctor may be able to detect and correct visual sharpness and clarity you didn’t even realize was impaired. And if you already wear glasses or contact lenses, an eye exam can help your eye doctor detect any changes that might be needed in your prescription.

 

2. Early Detection and Treatment of Eye Diseases Such as Cataracts

 Early detection can be critical in the diagnosis, treatment and sometimes prevention of eye diseases. While vision screenings are important, they are no substitute for a comprehensive eye exam, especially for people over age 40 who are at higher risk for developing a cataract. Getting an eye exam just might be one of the best things you do for yourself this year.

 

3. Having Multiple Eye Conditions is Common

 It’s natural to think that once you’ve “fixed” your eyesight, you don’t need to see your eye doctor as often. Maybe you had laser surgery and corrected your distance vision, or maybe you’ve already had cataract surgery and are seeing better than ever before. It’s common to have more than one eye condition, sometimes even simultaneously. Just because you’ve corrected one issue doesn’t mean another one may not develop. Getting regular eye exams is the best way to make sure these highly complex organs are functioning at their best.

 

4. Eye Doctors May Detect Serious Health Conditions

The eyes are not only the “windows to the soul,” but also the windows to our health at large. In fact many people first learn about health conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes from their eye doctors. That’s because the eyes are the only place in the body where a doctor has a clear view of your blood vessels. During a dilated eye exam, a doctor will examine and evaluate the blood vessels in your retina, the thin layer of tissue that lines the back of the eye. The condition of these blood vessels is a good predictor of the health of the blood vessels throughout the body. So getting an eye exam could help detect other issues beyond your eyes.

 

5. Digital Use is Changing Eye Function

The increased use of digital devices has changed how we blink, which is one of the basic functions of our eyes. Blinking serves to lubricate our eyes and slow down the evaporation of the protective film over the eye. Staring at screens causes us to blink less. And blinking less may lead to a condition known as dry eye. Dry eyes may cause discomfort, but may also lead to inflammation, damage to the surface of the eyes, or even increased risk of infection. An eye doctor can offer treatments to relieve dryness and prevent damage. That’s a pretty good reason to get an eye exam.

 

This year, why not set your sights on improving your eye health. Don’t wait until you notice a change in your eyesight before you see a doctor. Schedule an eye exam. Make 2020 a better and brighter year by putting your health first.

 

The Advanced IC-8 Lens Advantage

If you’ve been diagnosed with a cataract, talk to your doctor about cataract surgery and your replacement lens options. The IC-8 small aperture lens offers many advantages over traditional monofocal and multifocal IOLs. It provides a natural range of vision from near to far, including mid-range vision needed to read a computer screen. It is designed to increase your freedom from glasses. With the IC-8 lens, one can achieve continuous and seamless vision at all distances. Learn more about the IC-8 lens.