If you have good vision, it's easy to assume that you don't need to see an optometrist regularly. However, eye exams are an important part of your overall health care, and can help detect and prevent a variety of eye conditions. In this article, we'll discuss some of the most common eye conditions treated by optometrists and why it's important to have your eyes checked regularly.
Nearsightedness and Farsightedness
These two conditions are caused by refractive errors in the eye, meaning that the images focus on the wrong area inside the eye. Nearsightedness means that you have trouble seeing distant objects, while farsightedness means that you have trouble seeing objects up close. Both conditions can be treated with prescription glasses or contact lenses. In some cases, people opt for Lasik surgery to permanently correct the problem.
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is another refractive error that can cause blurry vision and visual distortions. Unlike nearsightedness and farsightedness, astigmatism is caused by an irregularly shaped cornea. Optometrists can prescribe special gas-permeable contacts, glasses, or Lasik surgery to correct the issue.
Blurry Vision
Blurry vision can be caused by a variety of issues, from simply needing a new prescription to more serious eye conditions such as glaucoma or cataracts. Optometrists can perform a comprehensive eye exam to determine the root cause of your blurry vision and recommend appropriate treatment.
Macular Degeneration
Macular degeneration is an age-related eye condition that can lead to a loss of vision. It occurs when the macula, a small area in the center of the retina, deteriorates. There are two types of macular degeneration: dry and wet. The dry form is more common and progresses slowly, while the wet form is more severe and can cause sudden vision loss. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and treatment of macular degeneration.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition that causes damage to the optic nerve, which can result in permanent vision loss. It's often called the "silent thief of sight" because it can develop gradually and without any noticeable symptoms. Optometrists can perform a simple and painless test to detect glaucoma, and early treatment can help slow its progression.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a common condition that occurs when the lens of the eye becomes cloudy. They can cause blurry vision, sensitivity to light, and difficulty seeing at night. Optometrists can diagnose cataracts during a comprehensive eye exam, and if necessary, recommend surgery to remove the cloudy lens and replace it with an artificial one.
Get Your Eye Exam
Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining good eye health and preventing vision loss. Even if you don't have any vision problems, it's important to have your eyes checked by an optometrist at least once a year. Optometrists can detect and treat a variety of eye conditions, from common refractive errors like nearsightedness and farsightedness to more serious conditions like macular degeneration and glaucoma. So, if you're in Arlington Heights make an appointment with AssureVision to ensure that your eyes are healthy and your vision is clear.