Routine eye exams are vital to maintaining good eye health and preserving your vision. They help in the early detection and treatment of several conditions that can lead to permanent vision loss. Along with seeing your eye doctor regularly, doing some research can help you take better care of your eyes.
Here are five things eye doctors wish more patients knew.
1. Your Eyes Aren’t Perfect Even if You Have 20/20 Vision
Even if you have 20/20 vision, you still need to have your eyes checked regularly. The term “20/20” only pertains to your central vision or what you see in front of you. It means that your night, color and side vision may still have issues.
2. Optometrists Are Different From Ophthalmologists
It’s a common misconception that optometrists and ophthalmologists are the same. You can get basic eye care services from an optometrist, but ophthalmologists can detect and help manage eye diseases. While optometrists can diagnose certain conditions and prescribe medications, only ophthalmologists can do surgery.
3. Your Eyes Will Be Dilated During a Comprehensive Eye Exam
Expect your eyes to be dilated during a comprehensive eye exam. Your eye doctor will use dilating eye drops to enlarge your pupils. Doing so allows the doctor to view the back of your eye and check for vision issues. You may experience blurred vision and light sensitivity for a few hours after dilation.
4. Sunglasses Don’t Simply Make You More Stylish
A pair of sunglasses with at least 99% UV-blocking capabilities can help protect your eyes from conditions like cataracts, eye cancer and age-related macular degeneration. Make sure to wear sunglasses outdoors during the day even when it’s not sunny.
5. Poor Contact Lens Care Increases the Risk of Eye Infection
You must clean, disinfect and store your contact lenses according to the instructions of your eye doctor. Failure to do this can result in eye infections and even vision-threatening conditions. Also, only use contact lens solutions that your eye care provider prescribed. If you experience discomfort while wearing contacts, take them off immediately and see your doctor.
At Eye and Vision Care, we are committed to meeting your vision and eye health needs. Call us at (703) 961-9119 (Fairfax), (703) 957-3384 (South Riding) or (703) 659-4430 (Haymarket). You may also fill out our contact form to request an appointment. We serve patients in Fairfax, South Riding and Haymarket, VA.