Most of us take advantage of our physical capabilities every day. Seeing, smelling, tasting, hearing, and feeling all become entitlements rather than privileges over time. But when it comes to eye health, early detection and prevention is a necessity, not a luxury—and that goes for all pairs of eyes.
Regular exams with an ophthalmologist in Sarasota are the best way to practice early detection and prevention to stop illness progression before it starts.
The advice in this blog is for general informational purposes only and may not be suited for your exact insurance plan and cataract needs. Therefore, consulting a qualified healthcare professional for personalized advice and treatment is essential.
Why Eye Exams Are Important
Your eyes are not just windows to the world but a gateway to your overall health. Without eye care, you fall at risk of life-debilitating eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. Eye exams with an experienced ophthalmologist in Sarasota are the only way to identify early signs before they start. Additionally, your eye health can indicate underlying health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and even certain cancers. Catching these diseases in their early stages allows timely treatment and prevention of potential vision loss or further health complications.
When To Book an Eye Exam
Short answer: every one or two years. However, the frequency of eye exams can vary depending on age, health status, family history, and existing eye problems. Here are some general guidelines to help determine when is the best time for you:
Adults
Healthy adults with no known vision problems should also book eye exams every one to two years. But since the risk of eye diseases increases with age, individuals aged 60 and above should have annual eye exams. Adults with existing eye conditions or chronic health conditions like diabetes may require more frequent eye exams as determined by their eye care professional.
Contact Lens Wearers
Regular eye exams are essential to ensure optimal eye health and proper lens fit if you wear glasses or contact lenses. Optical experts may recommend appointments once a year to every six months, depending on your specific situation and lens type.
High-Risk Patients
People with genetic eye diseases, a personal history of eye conditions, or certain medical conditions may qualify as high-risk individuals. Consult your eye care doctor to tailor appropriate exam frequency and treatment to monitor your eye health more precisely.
Types of Eye Exams
Your unique eye health determines what eye examination is right for you. After a general consultation and exam, doctors can dictate whether further tests are required based on your patient profile and medical history. At Center For Sight, we offer several eye exam options for our diverse patient clientele.
Comprehensive Eye Exams
A fundamental step for every eye care patient, a comprehensive eye exam is a thorough evaluation of overall eye health. It includes various tests to assess vision, screen for eye diseases, and identify underlying health conditions that may affect the eyes. This exam typically involves measurements in visual acuity, refraction, eye muscle movement, intraocular pressure, and the front and back of the eye. The results guide doctors to pursue further treatment for their patients, like glaucoma surgery, LASIK cataract surgery, and beyond.
Adult & Senior Eye Exams
An ophthalmologist in Sarasota can perform adult & senior eye exams using advanced technology to take a complete picture of seniors’ ocular health. Because eye problems develop over time, doctors take extra care and precaution in treating adults and seniors.
Diabetic Eye Exams
A person with diabetes cannot produce insulin or effectively use insulin, which regulates the body’s blood sugar levels. Blood sugar can build up and lead to many problems throughout the body, including damage to the retina in the eye.
To prevent severe vision loss, the American Diabetes Association recommends adults with type 2 diabetes receive their first examination after their diagnosis. Anyone with type 1 diabetes should book their first diabetic eye exam within five years of diagnosis.
Contact Lens Exams
When patients need lenses, optometric physicians help them find lens designs and materials best suited. It’s important to find eye doctors specialized in fitting contacts to guarantee clear vision for everyone. Besides regular lenses, patients can choose specialty contacts like toric and multifocal lenses to correct more advanced problems.
Clear Vision Starts With Your First Eye Exam
Regardless of your medical situation, eye exams are important for everyone. Do you know how healthy your eyes truly are? Book an eye exam with a Center For Sight ophthalmologist in Sarasota to bring clear vision to life.
