Often, people assume that if they can see clearly, they don’t need to get routine comprehensive eye exams. Unfortunately, good vision does not always mean healthy eyes.
What many people don’t realize is that some of the most common eye diseases are often asymptomatic in their early stages. Not scheduling routine eye exams is one of the biggest reasons these conditions go undiagnosed until they begin to affect vision.
Routine comprehensive eye exams play a crucial role in protecting your long-term vision and overall eye health. Keep reading to learn more about why you should still get an eye exam, even if you have good vision.
The Hidden Eye Conditions That Don’t Affect Your Vision… At First
Some of the most serious eye conditions develop slowly and silently. They do not cause noticeable symptoms, such as pain or vision changes, until they have reached more advanced stages.
If not caught early, the damage caused by these conditions may already be severe and irreversible. Early detection of eye disease is one of the most important reasons why ophthalmologists stress the importance of routine eye exams.
Some of the eye diseases that can initially go undetected include:
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is caused by damage to the optic nerve, often due to increased eye pressure. It typically affects peripheral vision first, something many people don’t notice until vision impairment is permanent.
Diabetic Retinopathy
People with diabetes may still have clear eyesight even as unmanaged blood sugar destroys retinal blood vessels. Changes to the retina aren’t visible to the naked eye, so significant damage can occur before the condition is diagnosed.
Macular Degeneration
It can take many years for age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to affect central vision. Early signs of the condition may only be detectable with ocular imaging during an eye exam.
Cataracts
Cataracts are the most common cause of blindness worldwide. While they usually do not impair vision until you are older, cataracts can start to develop when a person is in their 40s.
Retinal Tears or Weak Spots
Some retinal problems, including small tears or lattice degeneration, may never affect vision, but they can significantly increase the risk of retinal detachment. Identifying retinal conditions early allows you to take steps to prevent serious eye injury.
What “Good Vision” Really Means
When patients say they have “good vision,” they usually mean they can see clearly without the need for glasses or contact lenses. While visual acuity is important, multiple components affect the quality of a person’s vision.
During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor conducts a series of tests that evaluate all of the components of your vision, which include:
Visual Acuity
Visual acuity is a measure of the clarity of your central vision. However, even perfect 20/20 vision isn’t a guarantee of overall eye health.
Peripheral Vision
Side vision is crucial for safe driving and mobility. Some eye conditions, most notably glaucoma, can impair peripheral vision long before changes to central vision.
Eye Muscle Function
For optimal vision, your eyes need to track, focus, and move in coordination. Problems or weakness with the eye muscles can go unnoticed without an ophthalmologist’s assessment.
Internal Eye Health
The long-lasting quality and clarity of a person’s vision depend on a healthy retina, optic nerve, and stable eye pressure. Only your eye doctor has the technology to evaluate the vital internal structures of the eye.
How Often Should You Get Eye Exams If You See Well?
Even if you feel like your vision is good, it’s still important to follow eye exam guidelines to protect your long-term eye health. The general recommendations for adults are as follows:
- Ages 20–39: Every 2–3 years
- Ages 40–60: Every 1–2 years
- Age 60+: Every year
Children with no known vision or eye health problems should get an eye exam by six months of age; at least one exam between the ages of three and five; and annual eye exams once they have started school.
Some people may need more frequent exams, especially if they have a condition known to affect eye health.
You may need more frequent eye exams if you have:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure or heart disease
- A family history of eye disease
- A previous eye injury or surgery
- A high vision prescription
- An autoimmune disorder
- Take medications that affect the eyes, such as steroids, Plaquenil, or blood pressure medications
Making the Most of Your Comprehensive Eye Exam
A comprehensive eye exam is an opportunity to evaluate your eye health and identify any risks to the clarity and quality of your vision. To get the most value from your appointment, come prepared and engage actively with your eye care professional.
Before your visit, gather important information to share with your eye doctor. Bring a complete list of all medications and supplements you’re currently taking, as certain drugs can affect eye function and vision.
Prepare to discuss your complete health history, including any family history of eye diseases, since many conditions have genetic components. This background information helps your eye doctor stay alert for symptoms of eye problems caused by other health conditions, such as diabetes, autoimmune disorders, or cardiovascular disease.
There are certain systemic, general health conditions that can be seen in your eyes before they cause problems in other parts of your body. Finding these problems can help prevent the risk or consequences of strokes, autoimmune disease, or even heart attacks!
Your eye doctor can recommend targeted lifestyle changes specific to your risk factors, such as proper UV protection, nutritional support, or dry eye management strategies.
Even if you enjoy excellent vision today, comprehensive eye exams are an easy way to help safeguard the long-term health of your eyes. Scheduling routine exams is the best way to catch problems early and protect the quality and clarity of your vision.
Schedule an appointment at Whitson Vision in Indianapolis, IN, today!