During the course of our lifetimes, our eyes continue to change. Many of these changes are very normal and unavoidable, while others can be less progressive when certain precautions are taken. For eye diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration, early diagnosis is extremely important. However, even diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure can have negative effects on the eyes. There is so much more to an eye exam than simply vision correction! It is imperative to have annual eye exams after age 50. Did you know:

• Early glaucoma typically has NO symptoms? But can be detected from a single pressure test.
• High cholesterol’s beginning warning signs are noticeable in the eyes.
• Diabetes is the #1 cause of preventable blindness in the USA. Tiny broken blood vessels in the eye can be the first noticeable sign. We will work with your primary care physician to make sure your diabetic eyes are getting the care required.
• Double vision and/or blurred vision in one eye may be an early indicator of multiple sclerosis.
• Hypertension and heart problems may be detected with visible changes in blood vessels that our doctors would check in your OPTOMAP retinal images.
• The symptoms of age-related eye changes are also some of the same symptoms linked to serious eye diseases, such as macular degeneration. Will you know what your symptoms are indicating?
• Cataracts do develop, but you do not have to live with them. Your optometrist can check these with the OPTOMAP retinal exam and looking into your eye. Let us help you in finding the right specialist for your cataract removal and you can continue to see us for your pre- and post-op surgical care.

If these aren’t enough reasons for an annual eye exam, what are?