Article summary
- Why are eye exams important?
- What happens during an eye exam?
- How often should you get an eye exam?
Keeping your eyes healthy
Keep your eyes healthy with routine eye exams. Your eyes are important! Just like you go to the doctor for check-ups, it is also important to get a routine eye exam.
Why are eye exams important?
Eye exams are not just for people who wear glasses. Each person should get their eyes checked.
Here is why:
- Find problems early: Your eye doctor can find small problems before they become big ones.
- Keep your vision clear: Your vision can change over time. An eye exam makes sure your glasses or contacts are still right for you.
- Check eye health: Your eye doctor looks for eye diseases and other health issues. Sometimes eye problems can be a sign of other health concerns.
A helpful note
If you have diabetes, you may need a special type of eye exam. Please talk with your doctor to learn what kind of exam is right for you.
What happens during an eye exam?
During an eye exam, the eye doctor will thoroughly check your eyes. Here are some of the things they might do:
- They will ask you about your vision and any problems you are having.
- You will read letters or look at pictures to see how well you can see things far away and close.
- They will use special tools to look inside your eyes and check for any problems.
- They might have you follow a light or object to see how well your eyes move.
Each part of your eye exam helps your doctor understand what is happening with your eyes and how to help your vision.
How often should you get an eye exam?
Most adults should get an eye exam every one to two years. However, you may need to go more often if you have certain eye conditions or health problems. Your eye doctor will tell you how often you should come back.
Keeping your eyes healthy
Getting regular eye exams is just one way to keep your eyes healthy. Here are some other things you can do:
- Eat healthy foods: Eating foods with vitamins and nutrients can help eye health.
- Protect your eyes: Wear sunglasses when you are outside and safety glasses when doing activities that could harm your eyes.
- Rest your eyes: Take breaks from looking at screens.
- Try to read with plenty of light, as darker lighting can strain your eyes.
Taking care of your eyes is important. Getting regular eye exams and following these tips can help you keep your vision clear and your eyes healthy.