Eye health is pivotal for a good quality of life. We depend on our eyes in almost every aspect of our daily routine; they are, after all, our window to the world. Yet, we often forget to prioritize their health. Regular eye exams are part of this preventive care and are essential in maintaining good vision and overall eye health. They help detect any eye disorders at an early stage, which increases the likelihood of successful treatment.
One of the core components of eye exams is the eye power check. The optometrist determines your prescription for glasses or contacts while evaluating how your eyes work together. Having your eye power checked regularly can further ensure the alignment and focus of your eyes, and it can even rule out eye disorders such as lazy eye and crossed eyes.
Regular eye check-ups also provide the earliest platform for diagnosing chronic systemic diseases like hypertension and diabetes. The eyes are the only place in the body where a doctor can have an unobstructed view of our blood vessels. Hypertension may cause changes in the retina’s blood vessels, known as hypertensive retinopathy. More importantly, eye check-ups can detect early signs of diabetes which often show up as diabetic retinopathy. Hence, a regular eye examination can be life-saving by catching these illnesses early.
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Regrettably, across different cultures and societies, eye health rarely sees the emphasis it deserves. An overwhelming 80% of visual impairment worldwide is avoidable, according to the World Health Organization. However, awareness is on the rise due to campaigns, literature, and even pop culture.
For instance, the TV show ‘The Big Bang Theory’ famously includes a scene where the character of Leonard Hofstadter prompts Sheldon Cooper to get his first eye check-up. This episode subtly reminds its audience of the importance of looking after our eyes.
Moreover, movie icons like Bono from U2 have openly spoken about their struggles with glaucoma, putting a face on the disease and sparking conversations about the importance of regular eye exams.
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This advocacy is not new. Our literature, historic and modern, has also provided glimpses into the world of vision and eye health. The famed Japanese author, Junichiro Tanizaki, explored the importance of sight through his book ‘In Praise of Shadows’, underscoring our dependence on our eyes.
Nevertheless, the general perception towards eye health needs further change, and one of the most effective ways to ensure good eye health is through regular eye exams. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, adults should get a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years, depending on age risk factors and whether there already exists an ocular disease.
Therefore, remember, eye health is not just about having clear eyesight – it is also a critical indicator of your overall health. By ensuring regular eye exams, you not only safeguard your eye health, but you also take a small yet important step towards maintaining your overall well-being.
References:
1. Mayo Clinic, Regular eye exam: Importance, benefits, and frequency.
2. American Optometric Association, Comprehensive eye and vision examination.
3. Nejm, Hypertensive retinopathy, nephropathy, and neuropathy.
4. WHO, World Report on Vision.
5. USA Today, Bono reveals that he has had glaucoma for 20 years.
6. Tanizaki Junichiro, In Praise of Shadows.
7. American Academy of Ophthalmology, Eye exam and vision testing basics.
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