One of the most common questions we hear from patients is, “Why do I need a yearly eye exam if I don’t have any vision problems?”
The truth is, no one has vision problems until they do. How are you going to catch an untreated vision problem without routine eye exams?
This blog post will look at the four most common types of vision problems we look for during an eye exam and how these conditions are treated.
Refractive errors
Refractive errors are the most common type of vision problem. This happens when the light doesn’t enter your retinas correctly, causing vision problems like nearsightedness and farsightedness.
Fortunately, refractive errors are a very treatable condition. Corrective eyewear, like glasses or contacts, is always an option. For healthy adults with stable vision, LASIK may be a more permanent solution.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma causes pressure to build on the optic nerve, resulting in permanent vision loss. It is a much more serious condition because it often happens so slowly that many people don’t realize there is a problem.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for glaucoma but there are treatments available. Eye drops, medication, and surgery are options that can help prevent further vision loss.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a common age-related condition that affects millions of people around the world. They can form in one or both eyes and they cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy.
Cataracts are a very treatable condition and cataract surgery is the best option for many patients. Cataract surgery involves removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with a clear intraocular lens. And it’s a very quick procedure — the surgery itself takes less than 30 minutes.
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetic retinopathy is a serious condition that diabetes patients have to watch out for. If untreated, diabetes can cause your eyes to swell, which puts pressure on the blood vessels. If it’s not treated quickly, diabetic retinopathy can result in blindness.
The best way to treat diabetic retinopathy is to catch it early on. Diabetic patients should make sure they stay on top of their routine eye exams with their doctor.
If you are overdue for your yearly exam, contact our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.
