When Was Your Last Eye Exam?

August is National Eye Exam Month.

Do you remember when your last eye exam was done?

Most doctors recommend that you have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years, depending on risk factors and age. The eyes can be a window to your health which is why it’s suggested to keep up with routine exams.

Here are 7 ways to protect your vision.

1. Get regular comprehensive dilated eye exams.
   
   
2. Eat plenty of dark leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, or collard greens, and fish that is high in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon, halibut, and trout.
   
   
3. Wear protective eyewear when doing activities that could cause harm to your eyes, such as painting, yard work, and home repairs.
   
   
4. Rest your eyes. When working at a computer screen, make sure to blink often, or you could end up with tired eyes by the end of the day.
   
   
5. Wear sunglasses that block 99 -100 percent of ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation.
   
   
6. Wash your hands before removing contacts, and always cleanse your contact lenses properly to avoid infection.
   
   
7. Practice workplace eye safety.

Although your vision may appear to be healthy, you should always consult with a trained professional to observe your eyes so you can be sure there aren’t any underlying health issues.

What are the most common eye problems?

Eye tests determine whether or not you need glasses, but it can also spot eye conditions that can be treated effectively if detected early. Let’s take a look at some common eye problems and what the signs and symptoms may be.

Signs and symptoms of macular degeneration.

• The blurriness of central vision.
• Partial vision loss is marked by the formation of blind spots (scotomas).
• Problem seeing in dim light.
• Objects appearing smaller than their actual size, as viewed with one eye and then the other.

Signs and symptoms of cataracts.

• Blurred, clouded, or dim vision.
• Problem seeing at night.
• Problem seeing through light and glare.
• Seeing ‘halos’ around lights.
• Faded view of colors

Glaucoma

Signs and symptoms of glaucoma.

• Severe pain in eyes accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
• Sudden visual disturbance in low light conditions.
• Halos around lights.
• Blurred vision.
• Redness of the eyes.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Signs and symptoms of diabetic retinopathy.

• Dark spots or strings floating through your vision (floaters).
• Impaired color recognition.
• Fluctuating vision.
• Blurred vision.
• Vision loss.

Signs and symptoms of dry eyes syndrome.

• A burning, scratchy or stinging sensation in eyes.
• Eye redness.
• Sensitivity to light.
• Mucus production in or around eyes.
• Blurred vision.
• Eye fatigue.
• Issues in wearing contacts.

Signs and symptoms of conjunctivitis.

• Redness appearing in the eyelid or through the white of the eyes.
• Swelling in the conjunctiva.
• Excessive tearing.
• Thick yellowish discharge, mainly covering whole eyelashes, especially after sleep.
• Itching and burning eyes.
• Blurred vision.
• Sensitivity to light.

Signs and symptoms of retinal detachment.

• The sudden appearance of floaters in the affected eye.
• The sudden appearance of light flashes in one or both eyes.
• Blurred vision.
• Steadily receding peripheral or side vision.
• Presence of a curtain-like shadow through your field of vision.

Signs and symptoms of night blindness.

• Increased difficulty seeing things in the dark.
• Problems driving at night.

There are many other eye problems that may occur, which is why you should seek professional treatment if you are having any of these signs or symptoms. Don’t just wait until your computer screen starts to get fuzzy.

Vision Screening vs. Eye Exams

Vision screenings should not be a replacement for an eye exam. A vision screening is often a preliminary step into a comprehensive exam. Vision screenings offer just a small part of the information received during a full exam.

The eyes are complex and if you want them to last you long enough to live a healthy, vibrant, and colorful life, then you should take precautions to protect your eyes.

Take note of any problematic signs and symptoms and make an appointment to consult with an eye doctor, so that your eyes can get professional care and treatment before it’s too late.