Eye examinations are performed to evaluate all aspects of your vision. You should never assume that a vision test performed by someone at the Department of Motor Vehicles, school screenings, or by your family doctor, is an eye examination. It is not. Eye examinations should be performed by Certified Eye Care Professionals.

When you go to get an eye examination, it is important to understand that the doctor is doing more than checking for impaired vision. They are also checking to see if you have any signs of eye disease, or if they see any other problems that could lead to future loss of vision. Having eye exams on a regular basis is a preventative practice that should be taken as seriously as other routine, annual exams.

There are many eye diseases that have no noticeable symptoms in their early stages. For instance, diabetic eye disease may have no early signs. Yet, there may be swelling of the macula and small leaks from blood vessels in the eye which an eye doctor can detect. If not detected, it could lead to permanent vision loss. Eye doctors can also tell if you are showing symptoms of other diseases or conditions simply by looking into your eyes. Your eye can show signs of high cholesterol, high blood pressure and more.

Whatever your age, no matter how strong your eyesight is, one of the best things you can do for your eyes is keep up with regularly scheduled eye examinations.