IF IT’S BEEN A LONG TIME
If you haven’t been to the eye doctor in several years because you don’t wear glasses or contacts, or because you feel like you shouldn’t have to go back now that you have a prescription that works, think again. If you don’t need glasses or contacts, you can still benefit from getting an eye exam every one to two years to test for problems with your vision before you have detectable symptoms.
If you have been prescribed corrective lenses, you should get your eyes checked regularly to make sure that your prescription is still up to date. Your prescription will expire after five years, and you won’t be able to use it to buy new glasses. That’s because you need to make sure that you’re wearing an up-to-date prescription that will help your vision as much as possible.
IF YOU HAVE A FAMILY HISTORY OF VISION DISORDERS OR YOU HAVE DIABETES
If macular degeneration, glaucoma, or any other eye diseases run in your family, you’re much more likely to suffer from them, especially as you get older. Your eye doctor can catch early symptoms before you even notice, and together, you can keep your vision healthy well into your later years.
If you have diabetes, you need to see an eye doctor regularly because certain diabetic complications, including diabetic retinopathy can affect your vision. Diabetic retinopathy can, if left untreated, cause permanent partial or total blindness.
IF YOU’VE BEEN FEELING FATIGUED AND GET HEADACHES
Whether you wear corrective lenses or not, if you work at a computer all day, or you have to focus for long periods of time, this can put stress on your eyes. If you’re having unexplained headaches, muscle tension, or fatigue, you may need some assistance for your vision.
Your eye doctor can assess the situation and make an appropriate diagnosis. You may need to take a break every now and then to let your eyes unfocus and rest, or you may need glasses or contacts.
IF YOU WANT TO STOP WEARING GLASSES
Finally, you should visit your eye doctor if you want to know if you’re a candidate for PRK or LASIK surgery. If you’re tired of wearing glasses, you could be one of the thousands (and soon millions) of people taking advantage of these simple outpatient procedures. You could get perfect or near-perfect vision again with a few visits to see your eye doctor. So, if any of these sound like your situation, make an appointment for a PRK or LASIK consultation today and keep your vision clear.
Call Silverstein Eye Centers today to make an appointment for an eye exam.