Patients in Oshkosh need an ophthalmologist to determine if they’re living with hidden symptoms of glaucoma or myopia. How often you need an eye exam also depends on whether you have diabetes or signs of eye disease. Below are just a few reasons why yearly eye exams are important for protecting your health.
Detect the early onset of myopia
Myopia is the medical term for nearsightedness, which means far away objects appear blurry. Too many parents underestimate the severity of myopia in their children. Yearly eye exams are important because myopia left untreated may develop into severe eye diseases later in life, such as cataracts and glaucoma.
Over the years, ophthalmologists have encountered a growing number of patients with myopia, especially among younger children. Eye doctors attribute the rise of myopia in children to the digital era and looking at screens during school. Though many people need glasses at some point in their life, myopia should be taken seriously and requires a yearly eye exam to keep it under control.
Stop glaucoma before it gets worse
Glaucoma is a dangerous eye disease because patients exhibit zero symptoms in the early stages. By the time patients suspect something’s wrong, it could be too late. Glaucoma causes irreversible damage to the retina and may cause loss of vision. In fact, this eye disease is the leading cause of blindness in older adults.
Vision screenings at a school or DMV are no substitute for a comprehensive eye exam. A visit to your ophthalmologist in Oshkosh is the only way to detect the early signs of glaucoma. They have the proper equipment to check for warning signs like high eye pressure and stop glaucoma in its tracks.
If you’re wondering how often you need an eye exam, patients with healthy eyes only need to visit the office once a year.
Prevent blindness in diabetic patients
Eye exams aren’t just for people who need glasses. You might be surprised to learn that eye exams can detect health issues located in other areas of the body. For instance, blood vessels in the retina are a good representation of your body’s overall health and could reveal diabetes in patients.
Dilation allows ophthalmologists to examine the blood vessels in your retinas. Special drops widen the pupils so a light can illuminate the back of your eye. This yearly eye exam is important for detecting the early onset of diabetic eye diseases.
Consult an ophthalmologist if you’re wondering how often you need an eye exam including dilation. Those with type 1 diabetes need to check in with their ophthalmologist five years after diagnosis and once a year after that. Patients who live with type 2 diabetes need an eye exam right when they get diagnosed along with annual exams.
When it’s time for your annual eye exam, choose a knowledgeable ophthalmologist that cares about your health as much as you do. At Dr. Jill’s Optical Shoppe, your eye health is our number one priority. We offer a full range of services from special treatment to a simple checkup. Our doctors treat patients of all ages in in Oshkosh and can’t wait to meet you!