You might think your eye exam is just about updating your glasses or contacts, but these visits go beyond a basic vision check. When you come in for your comprehensive eye exam in Spokane Valley, our eye doctor is looking at more than how clearly you see. Annual eye exams can reveal early signs of eye diseases, systemic health conditions, and even subtle changes that affect your comfort and daily vision.
Here are the top five things your optometrist checks during an eye exam:
1. Visual acuity and prescription changes
The most familiar part of your exam is checking how well you see. Your optometrist will measure your visual acuity (how clearly you can see letters or symbols at various distances) and determine if your prescription needs updating. Even small vision changes can cause eye strain, headaches, or difficulty focusing, so regular checks keep you seeing your best.
2. Eye muscle and alignment function
Your optometrist will assess how well your eyes work together, including tracking, focusing, and alignment. Misalignment or eye muscle issues can lead to double vision, headaches, or fatigue when reading or using screens. Catching these issues early can help prevent ongoing discomfort and may even lead to recommendations for specialized lenses or vision therapy.
3. Eye pressure and glaucoma screening
Eye pressure is measured to help detect glaucoma, a sight-threatening condition that often has no symptoms in its early stages. During your eye exam, your eye doctor will check for elevated intraocular pressure. If needed, they will perform further testing to evaluate the health of your optic nerve and field of vision.
4. Retinal and optic nerve health
Your eye doctor uses tools like digital retinal imaging to examine the back of your eye, including the retina, macula, and optic nerve. These areas are key to detecting signs of serious eye diseases like macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or retinal detachment. Early detection allows for early treatment, which is often critical for preserving your vision.
5. Signs of systemic health conditions
Believe it or not, your eyes can reveal important clues about your overall health. During your annual eye exam, your doctor may spot signs of high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or autoimmune conditions. In some cases, an eye exam may uncover a health issue before it’s been diagnosed elsewhere.
Why you should schedule comprehensive annual eye exams
An eye exam isn’t just about vision; it’s a key part of your overall healthcare. At EyeQ Optical, we take a proactive approach to eye health. Your annual eye exam in Spokane Valley is an opportunity to protect your vision, detect changes early, and make sure you’re seeing clearly and comfortably every day.
Get ahead of eye problems with regular eye care
In conclusion, everyone should schedule regular eye exams, even if they don’t need glasses or contact lenses. Whether it’s been a year or several, now’s the perfect time to schedule your next eye exam. Our friendly team at EyeQ Optical will provide personalized care, advanced technology, and expert recommendations tailored to your vision and lifestyle. Schedule your visit with us today!