Eye exams are perhaps one of the most unassuming, yet critical, measures you can take for your overall health.

The majority of us do not realize the importance of eye exams – it’s not just a matter of testing our vision, but also maintaining our physical well-being. Read on to learn why you should prioritize regular eye exams.

1. Detect vision problems early

Regular eye exams are essential to detect vision problems early. Vision problems can be progressive and lead to further complications down the line.

During an eye exam, your ophthalmologist or optometrist will examine your eye and check for any irregularities or defects in your vision.

2. Get a prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses

If you find yourself squinting at things that are fairly close to your eyes or having trouble reading small font, it’s important to get an eyeglass or contact lens prescription.

An optometrist will examine your eyes and determine the best prescription for you.

3. Identify eye health problems early

Eye health problems such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy are not always noticeable in the early stages.

During a comprehensive eye exam, your ophthalmologist or optometrist will check for any signs of eye-health problems.

4. Maintain overall health

Regular eye exams can help maintain overall health.

Ophthalmologists and optometrists are often the first medical professionals to notice underlying health problems because the eyes are regarded as the “windows to the soul.” By closely examining the eyes, an optometrist or ophthalmologist may be able to detect early signs of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even brain tumors.

5. Prevent eye strain and headaches

Eye strain can lead to headaches and overall discomfort. Visiting an optometrist can reduce the likelihood of debilitating headaches and eyestrain by prescribing eyeglasses or contact lenses that work for your eyes.

6. Fulfill occupational requirements

Some occupations require a good vision. For instance, pilots and commercial vehicle drivers require a comprehensive eye exam at regular intervals to maintain licensure.

Furthermore, people who have careers that require them to work with screens all day, such as computer-based work, usually experience eye strain and headaches. And optometrists and ophthalmologists can help reduce the chances of eye strain and discomfort through proper prescription lenses.

7. Evaluate the state of your eyes to prevent vision loss

Regular eye exams give you the advantage of keeping track of the state of your eyes. Ophthalmologists and optometrists can check for signs of deterioration that might cause vision loss and provide measures to stop or slow progression.

Diabetes patients, for instance, should undergo regular eye exams since they often experience a range of vision problems that cannot be corrected with lenses.

8. Look after your eyesight

An optometrist or ophthalmologist can make valuable recommendations on how to keep up your eyesight.

Maintaining a balanced diet, staying away from cigarettes, getting enough rest, donning sunglasses outside, taking periodic breaks to let your eyes rest if you work on a screen all day – these strategies can all help ensure the health of your eyes. Eye doctors can give you valuable guidelines on how to best preserve your eyesight.

9. Keep Your Prescription Updated

Our eyes can change throughout our lives, even into our adult years. A prescription that was perfect for you a few years ago may no longer be suitable.

By attending regular eye exams, you can stay on top of any changes in your eyesight, to ensure you have the correct prescription, keeping your eyes as healthy and comfortable as possible.

10. Catch Early Symptoms of Health Issues

Your eyes can be a predictor for several underlying health issues, including diabetes, high blood pressure, brain tumors, and more. Thankfully, many of these health issues can be treated if detected early.

By attending regular eye exams, your Optometrist or Ophthalmologist can monitor your eyes for any potential health issues and advise accordingly.