Board-certified ophthalmologists are medical doctors who specialize in vision care. They can diagnose and treat various eye diseases, including but not limited to cataracts and glaucoma, and perform surgical procedures. They can also take care of all your routine eye care needs, such as providing comprehensive eye exams or prescription contact lens renewals.
Here are some reasons to schedule an appointment with an eye doctor.
For a Comprehensive Eye Exam
The purpose of comprehensive eye exams is to assess your general eye health and help detect problems at their earliest stage, even before symptoms appear, so that they can be promptly treated. The doctor will review your medical history, check visual acuity, dilate your pupils, and perform other tests during the examination.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends scheduling a comprehensive eye exam by age forty or earlier if risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease apply to you. Your eye doctor can then guide you on how often you should schedule these exams.
You Notice Changes in Your Vision
While it is common to experience vision changes over time, particularly with age, such as a gradual change in the eyes’ ability to focus on things up close. That is known as presbyopia, a normal part of aging, which tends to occur shortly after your fortieth birthday.
You may notice other vision changes, too, some more serious than others. Because of this, it is best to schedule an appointment with board-certified ophthalmologists as soon as possible to rule out any eye disease or infection, especially if they develop suddenly. Always seek medical attention from an eye doctor for blurry vision, floaters or flashes, double vision, or vision loss.
You Have Any of These Known Risk Factors
People with hypertension or diabetes, or those with a family history of these conditions, may be at increased risk of developing certain eye diseases. That includes cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy. These are some of the leading causes of vision impairment or loss. Getting annual comprehensive eye exams is one of the best ways to prevent serious problems such as these.
You can minimize these risks and protect your vision by:
- Choosing healthy lifestyle habits.
- Wearing protective eyewear during certain activities.
- Wearing sunglasses that block 100 percent of harmful UV rays when outdoors.
- Practicing the 20-20-20 rule to prevent digital eye strain: Every 20 minutes, look away at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Using only the most advanced technologies and techniques, the board-certified ophthalmologists at Eye Physicians of North Houston provide patients with compassionate, comprehensive eye care.
Our practice accepts patients that are residents of Houston and the neighboring communities of Texas.
Protect your eyes by scheduling an appointment with the Eye Physicians of North Houston today. We can be reached Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm at (281) 893-1760. Our office is closed on Saturdays and Sundays.
Resources:
“20 Reasons to See an Ophthalmologist.” The American Academy of Ophthalmology.
“Computers, Digital Devices, and Eye Strain.” The American Academy of Ophthalmology.
“Tips to Prevention Vision Loss.” The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
“What is Diabetic Retinopathy?” The National Eye Institute.
“What is Presbyopia?” The American Academy of Ophthalmology.