(BPT) - You use your eyes every day, but when was your last comprehensive eye exam? More than 16 million Americans are living with undiagnosed or untreated vision problems that could be detected and treated with a simple visit to a local optometrist. As our population ages, experts predict that rates of vision loss and blindness could double by 2050. The good news? You can protect your sight and catch potential problems early with annual, comprehensive eye exams from a doctor of optometry.
A comprehensive eye exam does a lot more than check how clearly you can see. Beyond detecting vision and eye conditions that benefit from early treatment, optometrists can spot initial signs of more than 270 serious health issues - including diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, and even certain cancers. It's one of the simplest ways to get a deeper look at your overall health.
As the year winds down, Americans are busy with holiday travel plans and end-of-year to-dos - from scheduling flu shots to squeezing in final doctor visits. But there's one important appointment that often gets overlooked: the annual in-person eye exam. Taking that one simple step could make a big difference in protecting your vision and overall health.
Here are facts about eye health that doctors of optometry nationwide want people to know:
Your eyes may say 'bah, humbug' during the holidays
Winter might bring holiday celebrations and cozy vibes, but it can be tough on your eyes. Dry, heated indoor air and the season's low humidity can make moisture in your eyes evaporate quicker, aggravating dry eye symptoms. Combine that with cold winds and the intense glare of UV rays reflecting off snow, and you've got the perfect storm for irritated, uncomfortable eyes.
Regular, in-person eye exams can help patients address their eye health concerns, including dry eyes and early signs of eye damage from UV rays. You can also take proactive steps like adding a humidifier to your home and wearing sunglasses to protect your eyes outdoors.
Tech can take a toll on your vision
It's no secret that we're all spending more time in front of screens - and it's taking a toll on our eyes. This year, tech gifts like gaming devices, TVs, and smartwatches are topping wish lists everywhere. But as technology use continues to rise at home and at work, our eye health can pay the price.
A report from Deloitte in partnership with the AOA found that 31.8 million people - about 31% of those surveyed who are exposed to excessive screen time - did not see an optometrist in the last year. Over half of that group (55%) reported the presence of vision-related symptoms that may be improved or resolved from regular visits to an optometrist.
Getting a comprehensive eye exam annually is key, but there are also simple steps you can take every day to protect your eyes. Try looking away from your screen periodically - get up for a drink of water, stretch, or step outside for a quick break. The American Optometric Association (AOA) advises the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Don't wait until symptoms appear
Blurry vision, eye pain, or irritation are all signs it's time to see your optometrist, but you don't have to wait until you're uncomfortable to take care of your eyes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 93 million U.S. adults are at high risk for serious vision loss, yet only half visited an optometrist in the past 12 months. Many serious eye and vision conditions have no obvious signs or symptoms, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, but when detected early, vision loss can often be prevented or significantly delayed.
In fact, nearly 5 million Americans live with diabetic eye complications, yet 90% of diabetes-related blindness is preventable with early detection and timely treatment. In 2019 alone, doctors of optometry identified signs of diabetic retinopathy in over 431,000 patients who had no history of diabetes.
For many conditions, early detection can make the difference when it comes to protecting eye health and vision.
Not wearing corrective lenses? You still need eye exams
Even if you don't currently need glasses or contacts to correct your vision, your eye health can change over time and can be impacted by a number of health conditions.
Remember: A quick vision screening, such as those offered at schools, pediatrician offices, or even online, can detect some vision problems, but it often misses more than it finds. A comprehensive eye exam, on the other hand, includes a full range of tests that thoroughly evaluate the health of your eyes and provide valuable insights into your overall well-being.
This holiday season, give yourself the gift of healthy vision by scheduling an in-person eye exam with an optometrist. To find an AOA doctor near you, visit AOA.org.
