Importance of An Advanced Annual Eye Exam

If there’s any body part you shouldn’t be taking for granted, it’s your eyes. After all, you’re using them right now to read this very article. Regular eye checkups are critical to reveal more than just poor eyesight; they could reveal infections, high blood pressure, and other maladies that you might not have noticed otherwise.

The eyes aren’t just a window to the soul. They are also a window to your well-being. It has a clear view of your precious blood vessels. These blood vessels are indicative of numerous ocular and systemic health conditions.  With regular eye exams, these conditions may be caught early before becoming problematic. 

Annual Eye Exams

Maintain good vision with annual eye exams. Many diseases that threaten vision don’t show early warning signs. They are, quite literally, invisible to the naked eye. Only a trained eye care specialist with the proper tools, testing, imaging, and knowledge can detect if one or more conditions are threatening your vision. 

In fact, conditions such as cataracts, keratoconus, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, and glaucoma may go unnoticed in the early stages. Therefore, early detection may slow progression and preserve sight. 

Going Deeper than Vision

Vision isn’t the only issue that an eye checkup can detect. A thorough eye exam may rule-in or rule-out over 270 other health problems including:

• High Cholesterol
• High Blood Pressure
• Diabetes
• Graves’ Disease
• Tumors (ie melanoma, pituary adenoma, basal cell carcinoma)
• Sjogren's Syndrome, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Crohn's Disease
• STDs
• And many more

When you opt for an eye exam, think of it as an annual eye physical or checkup where both your vision and ocular health are being evaluated. 

Modern Eyecare Technology

Eye care technology has improved tremendously within the last few decades, both diagnostically and therapeutically. Several modern devices are now able to capture detailed baseline images and track the health of your eye over time. Some of the devices include Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), ultra-wide field retinal imaging (OptoMap), infrared imaging of the eyelids (meibography), corneal elevation maps (topography). These devices allow for earlier detection and progression analysis of various eye conditions.

On the therapeutic side, we have the latest designs of premium daily contact lenses (ie Acuvue 1-day Max), implantable lenses (Visian ICL), corneal cross-linking, Intacs, IOLs, and ocular surface disease treatments (Lipiflow, OptiLight, TearCare, iLux, BlephEx, Gland Probing, Prokera, and more). 

Many of our first-time patients enter our office and dive into a 21st-century eye exam experience. One of the most remarkable aspects is that the results are displayed and reviewed immediately after performing the test(s) or image(s).

If you avoided eye exams previously or you were told there was nothing that could be done, revisiting a modern office might yield different results. It would certainly save you a lifetime’s worth of eye-related trouble. Your eyes are priceless and deserve the best technology available to ensure that your vision remains in peak shape.

Ease of Mind

Good eyes can give you the ease of mind. Decreased vision could significantly impact your daily quality of life in ways you don’t even realize. Vision is important for socializing, physical activity, and sensing danger in your vicinity. 

It has also been linked to feelings of depression and sensitivity. An eye checkup gives you the ease of mind that your vision isn’t negatively impacting your life. Your eye doctor may offer expert tips on how to prevent dry eyes or even recommend an ideal surgical procedure (should it be necessary).

Closing Thoughts

In an ever-evolving world of technology, surrounded by digital screens, it becomes more crucial than ever to keep your eyes healthy. There’s only so much we can do on our own to maintain eye health. Experts such as Dr Silani and Dr Younany are highly capable of providing you with the right diagnosis and treatment plan to keep your eyes performing optimally so you can live your best life.