I Don't Need Glasses. Should I Still Get Eye Exams?
If your vision seems fine, you might wonder if you still need routine eye exams. The resounding answer is yes!
The American Optometric Association recommends annual eye exams for adults aged 18-39, although some individuals may require more frequent exams.
With over 20 years of experience, Nicanor Lacsina, O.D., Yelena Pinkhasova, O.D., and the Bainbridge Eye Care team know that routine eye exams can detect various eye conditions and other health issues that might not have obvious symptoms — and that’s just the tip of the iceberg!
If you’re curious about the benefits of eye exams, then read on. Our team highlights five benefits of eye exams in our office in the Norwood neighborhood of the Bronx.
1. Early detection of eye conditions
Many eye conditions, such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, develop slowly and may not affect your vision immediately. By getting regular eye exams, Dr. Lacsina and Dr. Pinkhasova can catch these issues early.
Some of these conditions can contribute to blindness, so early detection and swift treatment can help prevent complications and may even preserve your vision in the long run.
2. Detect and treat digital eye strain
More and more people rely on technology to complete their daily work and for entertainment. The result? Digital eye strain. You might suspect you have digital eye strain if you have dry eyes, red eyes, or eyes that feel fatigued.
An eye exam can help identify any strain or discomfort you may be experiencing and provide solutions, such as blue light filtering glasses or advice on taking breaks to reduce eye fatigue.
3. Protect your eyes against ultraviolet (UV) damage
Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can harm your eyes and increase your risk of developing cataracts and other eye problems like a surfer’s eye.
During an eye exam, our team can assess the impact of UV exposure on your eyes — like spotting signs of pterygium— and recommend protective measures, such as wearing sunglasses with UV protection.
Even if you don’t need prescription sunglasses, our team can help you get the quality nonprescription sunglasses you need. We offer:
- Nonprescription sport and performance sunglasses
- Kids’ sunglasses (including ones with durable metal frames)
Tip: Keep a spare pair of sunglasses in your purse or briefcase so you’re never without a pair!
4. Get a glimpse of your overall health
Your eyes can reveal a lot about your general health. Your practitioner can detect conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and some cancers through a comprehensive eye exam.
Your eye exam is another way to get peace of mind, knowing you’re doing all you can to care for yourself.
5. Keep tabs on your visual acuity
Even if you don't wear glasses, your vision can change over time. Regular eye exams ensure that if you ever need corrective lenses, you can get an up-to-date prescription to help you avoid headaches, eye strain, and blurry vision.
Comprehensive eye exams also check your peripheral vision and color vision.
What to expect during a comprehensive eye exam
During a comprehensive eye exam, you can expect the following:
- Review of your medical history and discussion of any vision issues
- Tests to assess visual acuity, pupil response, and peripheral vision
- Examination of the internal structures of your eyes, including the retina and optic nerve, using specialized equipment
- Discussion of the need for sunglasses
If you get a dilated eye exam, you receive eye drops to widen (dilate) your pupils, which allows our team to get a better view of the internal structures of your eyes, such as the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels. The Bainbridge Eye Care team can spot signs of potential problems early on.
While your pupils are dilated, your eyes may be more sensitive to light, and your near vision might be temporarily blurred, but this is temporary.
Are you due for an eye exam?
If you’re due for an eye exam, don’t wait until you have issues to call us. Take a proactive step in protecting your eyes. Give us a ring at 718-306-9127 or click here to book your next eye exam.