Problems That a Comprehensive Eye Exam Can Catch

Studies find that only about half of American adults schedule a yearly eye examination. Unfortunately, that means that the other half are potentially oblivious to some vision-threatening eye conditions they may have. To encourage more patients to schedule annual eye exams, Central Florida’s best eye doctors at TRES VISION Group offer this brief list of problems that optometrists can catch during an annual visit.

Refractive Errors

Though most people rely on an eye exam to inform them whether their vision prescription needs an update, doctors also use these tests to determine the specific causes of imperfect vision. They can identify farsightedness (hyperopia), nearsightedness (myopia), astigmatism and age-related farsightedness (presbyopia).

Glaucoma

That one test that blows a burst of air into the patient’s eyes is called non-contact tonometry. Its purpose is to evaluate pressure inside the eye. High pressure can indicate that the patient either has glaucoma or is at risk for developing it later.

Retinal Conditions

Optometrists perform a fundoscopic test to check the retina, or back portion of the eye. This is the best way available to identify potentially serious retinal conditions like macular degeneration, retinal tears, retinal detachment, a macular pucker, retinitis pigmentosa, eye floaters or retinal vessel occlusion.

Thyroid Disease

Sometimes, doctors notice a mildly bulging eyeball or retracted eyelid and suspect an overactive thyroid gland. Patients with these symptoms (which may also include blurry vision and dry eye) are referred to a specialist to check for hyperthyroidism. Fortunately, this condition can be treated with levothyroxine, a prescription that manages thyroid levels.

Diabetes

Believe it or not, many patients first learn they may have diabetes from an eye doctor instead of a physician. Diabetic retinopathy, a common side effect of diabetes that harms blood vessels in the eye, is something an eye doctor can detect. These patients are encouraged to undergo further testing to properly diagnose and treat this condition. Patients who keep their blood sugar levels in check can usually maintain most of their sight.

Schedule an Eye Examination in Melbourne, Florida

Routine eye care is an important facet of taking care of your health. Eye exams often catch problems in their early stages, when symptoms are unnoticeable, and therefore are your best opportunity to address potential problems before you experience irreversible vision loss. To schedule an examination with the friendly, knowledgeable doctors at TRES VISION Group, please book online or call (321) 984-3200.