Posted by: Georgia Eye Physicians and Surgeons in Latest News
Most people understand that regular eye examinations are an important part of keeping your vision sharp, but they can also play a vital role in maintaining your overall health. The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends that all men and women undergo a complete comprehensive eye exam at least once between the ages of 20 and 29 and at least twice between the ages of 30 and 39. Further, because every set of eyes is different, it is recommended that all patients get a baseline eye disease screening at age 40, the time when early signs of disease and changes in vision may start to occur. Using the results from this screening, an experienced ophthalmologist like Dr. William Segal can determine how often follow-up exams may be necessary to check for cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy and other eye conditions.
Regular eye exams are so important because the eyes do change over time, and that change can often be gradual and difficult to detect. Many of our patients don’t even notice that their vision has grown worse and some are completely unaware that they need a stronger prescription until after they have been tested. Even more importantly, many vision problems are progressive and exhibit few or no symptoms in the earliest stages, so a comprehensive eye exam that screens for common causes of vision loss, like cataracts, glaucoma, and diabetic retinopathy, can often be the best way to catch problems early, before they become too serious to effectively treat.
…And They Can Diagnose Disease!
If you have been following our posts on Facebook, you probably already know that the eyes are very sensitive organs, and that many serious health conditions can leave tell-tale signs that are recognizable during an ocular examination. For example, when looking through the pupil and into the eye, the tiny blood vessels at the back of the retina are readily visible. Healthy blood vessels tend to take as straight a path as possible, while vessels with bends and kinks may suggest that the patient is experiencing hypertension and potentially at risk for a stroke. Similarly, a gray ring around the cornea can be a sign of abnormally high cholesterol, and vision problems originating in the optic nerve may be a warning sign of multiple sclerosis. Jaundice, a common indicator of liver disease, makes the whites of the eyes appear yellow while eyes that leak yellowish fluid may be an early indicator of diabetes.
Your health and vision are important to us, and so, for a limited time, our on-site consultative optometrist Dr. Marc Lay will be offering $35 basic eye exams. While not as all-encompassing as a full, comprehensive eye examination, this can be an excellent first step to catching many concerns as early as possible. If you have any questions or concerns about your vision, or if you would like to schedule an eye exam with Dr. William Segal or Dr. Marc Lay, please contact Georgia Eye Physicians and Surgeons today to make an appointment.
