Older adults are more aware of the importance to having an annual physical examination. However annual examinations are important for all age groups. A physical examination is important for ensuring continued good health and for making sure that any problems that are present are caught early so treatment can be initiated and damage can be minimized. Unfortunately, most people forget to check the eyes when they plan their annual physical. This is possible only by way of scheduling an eye examination with an eye specialist. Many individuals believe that regular eye exams are unnecessary if their prescription for eyeglasses allow them to see reasonably well. This is entirely incorrect as many serious eye diseases can be present even if visual acuity or vision is excellent. Many of these diseases cause irreversible damage and early detection can help prevent this loss in vision.
A regular eye exam is essential for maintaining good eye health. Annual eye examinations are necessary for younger as well as older adults. These examinations do more than just check your vision.
It is important that adults understand the reasons for yearly eye examinations. Many older adults recognize how important it is for them to visit their doctor at least once per year. This is the best way to detect small health issues before they become serious. However older adults do not realize how important it is for them to visit the eye doctor every year. All individuals should make eye health a priority, as the risk of developing eye problems with age increases substantially. It may surprise you that nearly 11 million Americans aged 12 and older have a vision problem that needs correction. Even if a person does not use corrective lenses, it is important to have an eye exam every year. The American Academy of Ophthalmology also recommends that all adults over 65 years old have an eye examination every year that includes a dilated eye examination. This allows the doctor to get a better view of the retina and optic nerve, so that they can detect potential problems early and intervene if necessary. This ensures that a person can continue to see very well throughout their life.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology suggests obtaining a full eye exam at age 40, when some vision abnormalities and eye disorders are expected to start in many individuals. Even if you are healthy and have no signs of visual difficulties, this needs to be done. Your eye doctor/ eye specialist can advise you on how frequently you should have future eye exams based on the findings of your initial test.
Have your eyes tested every year if you are 40 or older or if any of the following apply to you.
You use eyeglasses or contact lenses
You have a history of vision loss or eye disease in your family
You suffer from a chronic condition that increases your risk of developing eye illness, such as diabetes or auto-immune disease.
You use drugs with potentially harmful side effects for your eyes.
You have or are experiencing a decrease in vision for any reason
At The Eye Center, Dr. Mahnaz Naveed Shah & Associates, our team of nine exceptional doctors who are considered to be amongst the very best eye specialists and eye surgeons in Karachi and in Pakistan and are recognized nationally for their excellence and compassion in patient care are available to attend to your routine, medical and surgical eye care needs in a state of the art eye care facility. We have extensive diagnostic testing facilities that are matched in quality to any international center of excellence in eye care. Please call us at 03041119544, 03028291799 or reach us via our website at www.surgicaleyecenter.org to request an appointment. Our capable and compassionate team is available six days a week to assist you. We look forward to the opportunity to participate in your care.