An estimated 61 million people are at risk of vision loss, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), yet about half do not schedule annual comprehensive eye exam appointments with their eye physicians. That oversight significantly increases the possibility of vision impairment or loss. Early detection and prevention are essential for healthy eyes. You should schedule eye exams once per year beginning early in your life since the possibility of eye problems increases with age.
Why Have an Eye Exam Done?
An eye exam helps detect signs of vision changing eye diseases that, without treatment, may lead to blindness. It involves a variety of tests such as keratometry/topography and refraction to assess the health of your eyes. An ophthalmologist will discuss any findings with you as well as make treatment recommendations based on your overall wellbeing and the severity of any discovered eye disease. These exams usually take about an hour or so to complete.
Eye Diseases that Eye Physicians Can Detect
Cataracts are a clouding or yellowing of the lens inside your eye just behind the iris, restricting its ability to focus light on the retina, thus affecting your eyesight. Symptoms often include clouding vision, increased sensitivity to light, and vision distortion. Surgical intervention by experienced eye physicians is required to treat cataracts.
Glaucoma damages the optic nerve, resulting in peripheral vision loss, and later central vision loss or “tunnel vision.” Caused by abnormally high eye pressure, also known as intraocular pressure (IOP), glaucoma treatment consists of eye drops, selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT), and surgery.
Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is a diabetes complication that can cause microscopic spots of bleeding around the center of the retina. The severity of bleeding can worsen over time if left untreated. All diabetes patients should be annually screened for this condition. Treatment options vary depending on the condition’s gravity.
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) may either be “dry” or non-exudative ARMD, or “wet” or exudative ARMD and is characterized by the accumulation of drusen that impacts your central vision. Drusen are abnormal collections of extracellular materials. ARMD often occurs in older adults and can be treated by medications or surgery.
Corneal Disease may result from various origins, including infectious and inflammatory, which can adversely affect your eyesight. Some corneal diseases can cause irreversible vision loss if not promptly treated.
Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam Today
Protect your eyesight by scheduling a comprehensive eye exam with the Eye Physicians of North Houston today at (281) 893-1760. Using only the most advanced technologies and techniques, the doctors at Eye Physicians of North Houston provide patients with compassionate, comprehensive, and convenient eye care. Our practice serves residents throughout Houston and the surrounding communities of Texas.
Resources:
“Keep an Eye on Your Vision Health.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 26 July 2018, https://www.cdc.gov/features/healthyvision/index.html.