“You really should get an eye exam”
Hi Nebraska, Dr. EyeCare here. Well, it’s finally spring in Nebraska, and as the school year winds down, and we ready ourselves for a warm summer season of fun, sun, and barbecues, I have one simple question for you:
Have you thought about your annual eye exam?
Every year, nearly 50 million Americans will get an annual health physical from their primary care physician. Hundreds of millions will visit their dentist for things like toothaches, cavity checks, and fluoride treatments. Even our cars and trucks get taken in at recommended intervals for tune-ups. But – what about our eyes?
There are countless benefits to getting a yearly, comprehensive eye exam – and some of them are easy to see! Approximately 50% of all Americans lack standard 20/20 vision on their own – whether due to nearsightedness, farsightedness, or other common visual problems. That means there’s a good chance that you, right now, are not achieving the vision you’re capable of!
If you’re already wearing vision correction, such as glasses or contact lenses, make sure your prescription stays updated; hygiene checks for contact lenses are important for maintaining the health of your cornea, and small adjustments to your prescription can help prevent things like blurry vision, headaches, or dry and tired eyes at the end of each day.
Several articles cite strong associations between visual acuity of school-aged children and their performance in school, so summer break is a great time to make sure your kids can start the year with a fresh, sharp pair of eyes for the classroom!
Getting an eye exam isn’t solely about vision – it’s also about sound health. Ever heard that old proverb, that the eyes are the window to the soul? Well, they can also tell us plenty about your body: an annual eye exam can help diagnose things like diabetes, hypertension, and even brain tumors. (If you’ve already been diagnosed with any of these conditions, it’s important to find out if your vision has been affected.) Furthermore, many serious eye diseases, such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, are painless conditions, but can result in irreversible damage – such as blindness or loss of central vision – if left undiagnosed and untreated. It is estimated that half of those with glaucoma in the US are currently unaware of their condition.
Most eye exams can be completed in less than an hour, and eye doctors are located in just about every town in Nebraska, from Omaha to Lincoln, and well beyond. Find an eye doctor near you, and schedule an appointment today! Your eyes will thank you!
Dr. EyeCare
Dr. EyeCare and the Nebraska Optometric Association have launched a statewide campaign encouraging annual eye exams. Click here to watch Dr. EyeCare’s zany, on the street adventures.