most people understand the importance of healthy eyesBut according to a study conducted by VSP Vision Care and market research firm YouGov, only half of those people get an eye exam every year.
Just like scheduling regular dental cleanings and physical exams, the American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that all adults between the ages of 18 and 64 have an annual eye exam.
Optometrist Dr. Pamela Reedy said, “Having an eye exam should prioritize your overall health and not just your ability to see clearly.” in Chesterfield, Missourivice president of patient care at VisionWorks told Fox News Digital in an email.
Mississippi woman regains partial sight after long blindness in right eye: ‘pretty cool’
“A vision test is not just to make sure you can see clearly, your overall health. ”
Why are eye exams so important?
An ophthalmologic exam allows ophthalmologists an unobstructed view of the blood vessels and the optic nerve, an extension of the brain, Reedy explained.
“That’s why ophthalmologists are often the first to spot more than 270 signs of chronic health conditions, from early signs of diabetes to early signs of diabetes. high blood pressure and even some cancers. ‘ she said.
Besides chronic diseases, ophthalmologists can detect glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration during examinations.
“All three conditions have one thing in common: the lack of early warning signs,” says Riedy.
“It’s important to have an eye exam every year so you can catch the disease early, before it progresses and affects your vision.”
what to expect in an eye exam
An eye exam uses a variety of tests to assess the health of your visual system and eyes.
Perhaps the most well-known of these tests is the vision test. The test asks the doctor to read the descending letters on a “Snellen chart” from 6 feet away from her.
Bacterial contamination of eye drops ‘could have happened anywhere’ – here’s how to prevent it
If you need glasses or contacts, your doctor will do a refraction test to determine the correct prescription lenses. You are then asked to compare the sharpness and effectiveness of multiple lenses (“Which is better, one or the other?”).
Healthline says ophthalmologists will also perform a simple pupil test to assess the health of your eyes and nervous system.
Next up is the “air puff test,” formally known as non-contact tonometry (NCT), according to Verywell Health.
This test is used to measure intraocular pressure and can help detect glaucoma.
Additional tests may include color vision, depth perception, lateral vision, retinal assessment, eye movement and focus, Reedy said.
“Ophthalmologists are often the first to spot signs of more than 270 chronic health conditions.”
“You don’t need to prepare for the exam in advance. Just pick the right optometrist and schedule the exam to fit your schedule,” she says.
Visionworks.com offers an online scheduler where you can enter your zip code to find a provider in your area.
Tips to reduce digital eye strain
Reedy warned that frequent exposure to blue light from electronic devices is likely to cause digital eye strain.
“Blue light is the range of light that contains the most energy in the visible light spectrum,” she explained.
Doctors warn of people’s ‘begin’ trend of applying lip balm to their eyelids: Why it’s dangerous
To combat the effects of blue light, Riedy suggests following the “20/20 rule.”
“Every 20 minutes, remind yourself (and your kids) to take your eyes off the screen and look at something at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds,” she said.
During an eye exam, your doctor may also recommend an anti-reflective coating on your lenses to reduce blue light.
Click here to sign up for our health newsletter
When working on a computer, Riedy says it’s best to find a comfortable working distance from the screen.
“Kids should keep devices as far away from their eyes as they are comfortable,” she said. “Adults are advised to hold the device at arm’s length.”
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Additionally, you can reduce the amount of blue light by lowering the brightness level of your device’s screen.
To read more articles in Fox News Digital’s “Be Well” series, click here.