Four in 10 adults in the U.S. may be at high risk for vision loss – but about 40% of that group aren’t keeping up with recommended annual comprehensive eye exams, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
It is important not to put off getting eye exams. Read on to learn why preventative checkups matter, even for those with 20/20 vision.
‘A window into the whole body’
Optometrists are primary eye health care providers, attending undergraduate followed by a 4-year-long optometry program and an optional 1-year residency to specialize in areas like ocular disease or pediatrics. Beyond diagnosing, preventing and managing diseases and disorders of the eye, they also help maintain the overall well-being of their patients.
In addition to catching problems before they lead to life-altering vision loss, annual eye exams can offer a glimpse into a person’s overall health, said Jessie LaLonde, O.D., an optometrist with Southwestern Eye Center.
“The eye is like a window into your whole body,” she said, explaining that systemic conditions like diabetes, cancer and some cardiovascular conditions show early warning signs in the eyes. “We may be catching things as eye doctors before general practitioners in some cases – blood pressure issues, cholesterol and even certain cancers can be seen. The plaques that cause heart disease can be seen inside the eye, and we can even see signs of stroke.”
What to expect during an exam
Checking a patient’s vision for any changes is only one part of the exam, said Dr. LaLonde. In addition to assessing visual acuity, or level of vision, she’s looking at “how well the eyes work together, depth perception, eye muscle function, measuring the pressure inside the eyes to check for glaucoma, and even checking the health of the eyelids.”
From the cornea at the front of the eye to the retina, blood vessels and optic nerve at the back, the exam leaves nothing out, according to Dr. LaLonde. Most adults should have their vision checked annually, and depending on a person’s stage of life, the exam might focus on different areas.
“Our vision changes [in high school and college] with more screen time, and in middle age, we start to have issues with focus and changing vision,” said Dr. LaLonde. “With older adults, we’re checking a lot more for eye diseases and the health of the eyes. We do this especially for people with a family history of glaucoma or macular degeneration to ensure there are no signs of those conditions. We also do this with every patient with diabetes.”
There’s a program for babies ages six to 12 months – appropriately named InfantSEE – that screens for common childhood vision problems like amblyopia (lazy eye) or strabismus (crossed eyes). After that exam, Dr. LaLonde said that kids don’t usually need another exam until they’re toddler age, then once before starting school.
If a child suddenly loses interest in school or can’t focus, it might be time for an eye exam, she said.
Nervous about an eye exam?
A comprehensive eye exam is never painful, but dilation of the pupils to view the back of the eye does make a person sensitive to light for a few hours. If a patient is nervous about that part of the exam – or anything else – they’re not alone.
“I reassure them that it won’t hurt, those drops eventually wear off – and we give you cool sunglasses to wear afterward,” Dr. LaLonde said. “I always educate patients on why I’m doing something to put them at ease.”
Connecting with patients and helping them is what drew Dr. LaLonde to the profession.
“It’s really that golden rule about doing unto others and helping,” she said. “It’s very rewarding and brings purpose to my life. I help people restore and protect their vision – it’s genuinely a gift for me to be able to provide that.”
Book an appointment today with Dr. LaLonde or any of the doctors at Southwestern Eye Center. Learn more at SWEye.com or call 480-485-3383.
