The importance of visiting your NW Calgary eye doctor for regular eye exams goes well beyond ensuring clear vision. Here are some of the reasons why it’s so important to schedule regular eye exams with your optometrist and how he/she can help safeguard your eye health and overall well-being.
Most people mistakenly believe that visits to your local Calgary optometrist are only necessary if your prescription has changed. The truth is that eye exams are important for more than just ensuring clear vision.
Scheduling regular appointments with your eye doctor is also a great way to protect your eye and overall health. In fact, a routine eye exam will allow your optometrist to detect signs of serious health conditions, such as:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Brain tumor
- Thyroid disease
- Skin cancer
- High cholesterol
Our Highly Qualified Calgary Eye Doctors Perform Comprehensive Eye Exams to Ensure Your Eye and Overall Health
At our Calgary eye clinic, our team of optometrists strive to protect your vision and overall health by providing comprehensive ocular services, including eye emergency care, glaucoma testing, contact lens fittings, cataract assessment/management, and more. Whatever your needs, we can help keep your eyesight clear and comfortable.
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Vision Screenings vs Eye Exams: Why the Latter is so Important
When it comes to scheduling preventive health appointments, eye exams are often overlooked. Most people think that a visual screening will suffice, but seeing a licensed optometrist for a comprehensive eye exam is key to your overall health.
Here is the main difference between a vision screening and eye exam, and why the latter is so important:
1. Vision Screening
A vision screening is a quick and inexpensive test performed by volunteers or nurses to check for abnormal visual acuity and major vision problems. The screening will test both eyes together and individually. If you score lower than a 20/40 level, you’ll be referred to an optometrist.
2. Comprehensive Eye Exams
These are performed by a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist, and include a vision screening, as well as a series of tests to evaluate the health of your eye. Your optometrist will check for signs of:
This can help detect serious problems at the earliest stage, when they are most treatable.
Eye Exams Can Help Identify Other Health Problems
A licensed optometrist can make a close evaluation of the blood vessels in your eyes, which can help detect major health problems, such as:
- Diabetes: Diabetic retinopathy is identified by leaking blood vessels in the retina.
- Hypertension: Any tears or bends in the blood vessels in the eye might indicate high blood pressure.
- High cholesterol: A yellow tint or ring around the cornea could be a sign of high cholesterol.
- Thyroid disease: Bulging or protruding eyeballs could be a sign of thyroid problems.
- Autoimmune disorders: Eye inflammation could be a sign of an autoimmune disorder.
- Cancer: Unusual eye structure could be a sign of eye cancer. Close observation of the eyelids could detect skin cancer.
- Tumors: Irregularly shaped pupils or droopy eyelids could be a sign of a tumor.
How Often Do I Need to Have an Eye Exam?
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) suggests the following guideline for adult eye exams based on age:
- 20s-30s: 5-10 years
- 40-54: 2-4 years
- 55-64: 1-3 years
- 65+: 1-2 years
However, it’s important to note that people with certain conditions will have to visit their optometrist more regularly. This includes individuals who:
- Wear corrective lenses
- Exhibit serious vision trouble or eye discomfort
- Have a family history of eye disease
- Have a chronic disease that increases the risk of developing an eye condition
Our Calgary Eye Doctors Are Happy to Be Serving You Once Again
Our Calgary eye doctors are happy to be serving you once again! We are currently rescheduling patients on a priority basis and are taking all necessary safety and infection controls to keep our patients, staff, and community safe.
If you would like to know more about the costs and benefits of having an eye exam, or if you have an eye emergency, contact us at 403-286-4884 or fill in our online contact form.
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