Safeguarding Your Vision: The Importance of National Eye Exam Month

August marks National Eye Exam Month, a month-long health observance designed to promote the importance of regular eye exams for people of all ages. Regular eye examinations are crucial for maintaining good eye health and detecting eye problems early. Continue reading to learn why eye exams are critical and why you should schedule your annual an appointment.

The Importance of National Eye Exam Month

National Eye Exam Month raises awareness about the importance of eye health and the necessity of regular eye exams. The annual observance underlines the message that you should never take your eyesight for granted.

Understanding Eye Health

The human eye is a complex and delicate organ that requires proper care and attention. Many conditions and diseases can affect your eyesight, like glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. Many of these conditions don’t have obvious symptoms until they’re in advanced stages, making regular eye check-ups more crucial.

Why Regular Eye Exams Are Important

Annual eye exams are necessary to maintain optimal vision and detect other health issues. For example, an eye exam can discover conditions like diabetes or hypertension. A routine check-up can help with early diagnosis, increasing chances for the successful treatment and management of various conditions.

What’s Involved in Comprehensive Eye Exam

A comprehensive eye examination involves a series of tests to evaluate your eyes’ health and identify potential issues affecting your vision. The various components include:

• Patient History

  The examination usually starts with the optometrist asking about your medical history, including any vision problems, current medications, work environment, and overall health. The information you provide will help them understand any symptoms you might be experiencing.

• Visual Acuity Tests

  Visual acuity tests measure how clearly you see. The most common test involves reading a Snellen eye chart with letters that decrease in size as you move down the chart.

• Preliminary Tests

  These might include tests of specific aspects of vision like depth perception, color vision, eye muscle movements, peripheral or side vision, and how your pupils respond to light.

• Keratometry/Topography

  This test measures the curvature of your cornea, the clear outer surface of your eye, which can help diagnose conditions like astigmatism.

• Refraction Assessment

  A refraction assessment determines the lens power you need to compensate for any refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism).

• Eye Focusing, Eye Teaming, and Eye Movement Testing

  These tests assess how well your eyes focus, move, and work together. It involves looking closely at a small object at different distances and tracking a moving object.

• Eye Health Examination

  The optometrist will examine the external and internal parts of your eyes for signs of common health problems, like glaucoma or macular degeneration, and may dilate your pupils to see the inside of your eyes more clearly.

• Supplemental Testing

  You may need additional tests based on the results of the previous tests to confirm or rule out possible problems, clarify uncertain findings, or provide a more in-depth assessment.

You may need additional tests based on the results of the previous tests to confirm or rule out possible problems, clarify uncertain findings, or provide a more in-depth assessment.

At the end of the examination, the optometrist should review your results; discuss any necessary treatment options, like glasses, contacts, or surgery; and answer any questions.

Who Should Get Their Eyes Checked?

Although people of all ages should prioritize eye exams, some have a higher risk factor for eye conditions than others, including:

• People over 60
• Diabetics
• People with a family history of eye disease
• Professionals who strain their eyes (computer workers, artists, writers, etc.)

How to Observe National Eye Exam Month

• Get a Comprehensive Eye Exam

  The best way to observe National Eye Exam Month is to schedule a comprehensive eye examination. Everyone should have their eyes checked regularly.

• Educate Others

  Share the importance of regular eye check-ups with your friends, family, associates, and social media followers. Use the hashtag #NationalEyeExamMonth to raise awareness.

• Support Vision Charities

  Consider donating to eye health charities that provide screenings, glasses, and treatments for people who can’t afford them.

Make an Appointment for an Eye Exam Today!

In observance of National Eye Exam Month, we encourage everyone to schedule an eye examination with Colorado Mountain Medical Ophthalmology, a partner of Vail Health. The Colorado Mountain Medical Ophthalmology healthcare team will ensure you receive a thorough exam to evaluate your eyesight and overall eye health. Whether or not you’re experiencing eye discomfort, an annual eye exam is critical.

Your sight is invaluable, and prioritizing your check-ups can help preserve your vision and overall health. Celebrate National Eye Exam Month by caring for your eyes and booking your eye exam today.

This article was reviewed by Suzanne Torris, MS, RN, FNP.