If your eyes feel healthy and you can see well, your glasses are probably fine and you probably think, “Why do I need to come in for a comprehensive eye exam anyway?” Your kids are not complaining that they can’t see the board at school and they can’t have the big eye diseases, like cataracts and glaucoma, right? So, why bother with a comprehensive eye exam?
While it is true that your optometrist checks your distant vision during an eye exam to determine whether you need a new prescription, it is only one part of a comprehensive eye exam.
We also examine other aspects of your vision:
- How your eyes focus on objects up close
- How well your eyes work together
- Your peripheral vision
- Astigmatism
During your eye exam we screen for eye diseases too. There are a number of eye diseases that do not present with any noticeable symptoms during the early stages of development. However, by examining your retina, we are able to detect signs of disease progression. The good news is that Glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, eye cancer and even certain brain tumors can be detected even before they cause visual disturbances or pain. The better news is that when you catch and treat them early, the prognosis is much better.
Dr. Vishal Sud, who practices family eye care in Mississauga and Brampton says, “Meeting with your optometrist on a regular basis also gives you the opportunity to discuss any eye health concerns you may have.” Whether you have dry eyes or experience discomfort with prolonged computer use, our eye doctors are here for and we can help.
Older patients, and anyone with diabetes, are at greater risk for developing eye diseases and conditions. It is recommended to get a yearly eye exam then, and OHIP covers eye exams for patients over 65.
Children, in particular, often don’t even realize when something is wrong, because they think everyone sees the same way they do. Many behavioural and learning disabilities turn out to have an underlying visual component that is treatable, but which is not picked up during a routine eye screening with the school nurse. Furthermore, as children grow, their eyes change more rapidly than adults, so they really need a comprehensive eye exam every year. That is why OHIP covers pediatric eye exams for children and teens under 20. Summer vacation is a great time to take care of that, so your child can start the new school year with a clean bill of eye health.
Call our Mississauga or Brampton Vision Centers and book an eye exam today.