Starting the year off with a regular eye exam is a good way to ensure that your eyes and vision are healthy. During an eye exam, an eye doctor or optometrist will check your vision and the health of your eyes. They will assess your eyes' ability to focus on objects at different distances, which is important for computer use.

Why Are Regular Eye Exams Important?

Regular eye exams are important for maintaining the health of your eyes and vision. Here are some reasons why regular eye exams are important:

Early Detection of Eye Problems

Many eye problems, such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and cataracts, can be detected in the early stages during an eye exam. Early detection and treatment can help prevent or slow the progression of these conditions and protect your vision.

Prescription Updates

If you wear glasses or contacts, an eye exam is a good opportunity to have your prescription updated. Wearing the correct prescription can help reduce eyestrain and fatigue when using a computer.

Digital Eye Fatigue

An eye doctor may recommend measures to help reduce digital eye fatigue, such as using artificial tears, taking frequent breaks from the computer, or adjusting the screen settings.

Overall Health

The eyes can be a window into overall health. During an eye exam, an eye doctor may be able to detect signs of other health problems, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, by examining the blood vessels in the eye.

What Goes On During an Eye Exam?

Depending on your age and general health, you should undergo an eye exam every one to two years.

Preliminary Tests

Visual Acuity Test

This test measures how well you can see at different distances. You will be asked to read from a chart or look at a series of letters or symbols.

Refraction Test

This test determines the prescription for glasses or contacts. You will be asked to look through a machine with different lenses to see which provides the clearest vision.

Pupil Dilation

The pupils are the black circles in the center of the eyes. They get bigger or smaller to control the amount of light that enters the eye. To check the retina's health, the doctor may dilate the pupils using eye drops. It allows the doctor to get a better view of the inside of the eye.

Eye Pressure Test

The eye pressure test, also known as tonometry, is a test that measures the pressure inside the eye. It is usually performed as part of a comprehensive eye exam.

High eye pressure can signify glaucoma, a condition that can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision loss. It is important to have regular eye exams to check for high eye pressure and to monitor any changes in eye pressure over time.

For more on the importance of regular eye exams, visit Look! Optometry at our office in Manhattan Beach, California. Call (310) 796-5665 to book an appointment today.