See Clearly, Live Fully: Why Eye Exams Matter More Than You Think

When was the last time you had a comprehensive eye exam?

If you can’t remember—or if you’re thinking, “Well, my vision’s fine, so why bother?”—this post is for you.

August is National Eye Exam Month, a reminder that taking care of your eyes isn’t just about seeing clearly. It’s about protecting your overall health, catching potential problems early, and maintaining the quality of life you want to enjoy. Whether you’re 7, 37, or 77, regular eye exams should be a part of your health routine—just like dentist visits and annual physicals.

Let’s dig into why.

Vision Changes Happen Gradually—You Might Not Notice

Most people assume they’d know if their vision was getting worse. But the truth is, many vision changes happen so slowly that they go unnoticed until they’re hard to ignore.

Maybe you’ve found yourself leaning closer to your laptop screen. Maybe you’ve started squinting to read street signs. Or maybe you’ve been getting more headaches than usual at the end of the day. These little signs are often the first hints that your eyes are working harder than they should be.

It’s easy to adapt without realizing it. The brain is great at compensating. You might move your book further away or bump up the brightness on your phone. But compensation isn’t the same as correction. Over time, uncorrected vision issues can lead to eye strain, fatigue, and even accidents—especially while driving or using machinery.

Eye Exams Catch More Than Just Vision Problems

Eye exams aren’t just about updating your glasses prescription. In fact, some of the most important things an eye doctor checks for have nothing to do with how well you see today.

A comprehensive eye exam can reveal early signs of:

● Glaucoma: This group of eye diseases damages the optic nerve and is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it usually has no symptoms until vision is permanently lost.

● Macular degeneration: This condition affects central vision and is a leading cause of blindness in people over 60.

● Cataracts: These can develop slowly and cloud the lens of your eye, making vision blurry or dull.

● Diabetic retinopathy: If you have diabetes (or prediabetes), regular eye exams are essential. High blood sugar levels can damage the blood vessels in your retina.

● High blood pressure and cholesterol: Changes in the blood vessels of your eyes can indicate cardiovascular issues that need attention.

● Autoimmune disorders and even certain types of cancer: In rare cases, eye exams can reveal systemic conditions that haven’t been diagnosed yet.

In other words: your eyes are a window into your body. And your optometrist can spot things that even your primary care doctor might miss—especially in the early stages.

Kids Need Eye Exams Too (Not Just Vision Screenings)

Many schools do basic vision screenings, often using the familiar eye chart. While these tests can catch obvious nearsightedness or severe issues, they aren’t a substitute for a full eye exam.

A child could pass a school vision screening and still struggle with:

● Eye teaming (how well the eyes work together)

● Focusing ability

● Depth perception

● Tracking (important for reading)

● Visual processing issues

These problems might show up as “difficulty concentrating,” poor handwriting, or even behavioral concerns. But they often stem from an underlying vision issue that a regular screening would miss.

Eye exams for children are especially important before they start school. According to the American Optometric Association, one in four children has a vision problem that could affect learning. Many of these issues are easiest to correct when caught early.

If you’re a parent, it’s worth scheduling that exam before the school year kicks off.

Adults: Your Eyes Change More Than You Think

Your eyes don’t stay the same forever. Most adults notice changes in their vision sometime in their 40s—often when it becomes harder to read small print or see clearly up close. This condition, called presbyopia, is totally normal. But it can be frustrating, and it might require reading glasses, bifocals, or other solutions your eye doctor can recommend.

Beyond your 40s, the risk of more serious eye conditions also increases. Regular eye exams help track those changes over time, so if something does start to go wrong, you’ll catch it early.

Even if you’ve had perfect vision your whole life, that doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. Vision is just one part of eye health.

Screen Time Is Taking a Toll

Let’s face it—we’re all spending a lot more time on screens than we used to. Phones, tablets, laptops, TVs, e-readers… the list goes on.

All that screen time can lead to digital eye strain (also called computer vision syndrome). Symptoms include:

● Dry eyes

● Blurred vision

● Headaches

● Neck and shoulder pain

● Trouble focusing

An eye exam can help rule out other issues and give you strategies to relieve the strain. That might include special lenses, posture tips, lighting adjustments, or screen-use habits (like the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds).

Contact Lenses and DIY Glasses Aren’t Enough

Some people skip eye exams because they buy “readers” at the drugstore or order contact lenses online based on an old prescription.

Here’s the problem: your vision needs can change every year. Relying on outdated or off-the-shelf correction isn’t just inconvenient—it can be harmful. Poorly fitted contacts, for example, can lead to eye infections, corneal damage, or long-term complications. And cheap readers might not match your actual prescription, especially if your eyes don’t need the same correction in both lenses.

Plus, you’ll miss out on the health checks that only a proper exam includes.

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

Here’s a general guideline:

● Children: First exam between 6–12 months, again at 3 years, before first grade, then every 1–2 years unless more frequent exams are recommended.

● Adults under 40: Every 2 years if you have no symptoms or risk factors.

● Adults 40–64: Every 1–2 years (more often if you use corrective lenses or have conditions like diabetes).

● Adults 65+: Every year.

If you wear contacts or glasses, have a family history of eye disease, or live with a chronic condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, your optometrist may recommend more frequent visits.

What to Expect During an Eye Exam

If it’s been a while since your last eye exam, you might not remember what it involves. It’s not complicated—and there’s no need to be nervous.

A typical comprehensive exam includes:

Health and vision history: Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical conditions, medications, family history, and lifestyle factors.
Visual acuity testing: This is the part with the familiar letter chart. It checks how well you see at various distances.
Refraction test: This helps determine your exact lens prescription, using the “Which is better: 1 or 2?” method.
Eye movement and coordination: Tests to see how your eyes track and work together.
Pupil response: To check how your eyes react to light.
Slit-lamp exam: A microscope allows your doctor to examine the front parts of your eye in detail.
Eye pressure test: A quick (and painless) test to screen for glaucoma.
Dilation: Eye drops temporarily enlarge your pupils so the doctor can get a better look at your retina and optic nerve.

The whole process usually takes less than an hour. And it can give you years of peace of mind.

Eye Health Is Part of Whole-Body Health

You probably wouldn’t skip your annual physical. You likely go to the dentist every 6 months. Eye exams should be on the same list.

Taking care of your eyes helps you:

● Stay productive at work

● Drive safely

● Prevent falls and accidents

● Avoid headaches and fatigue

● Catch underlying health issues early

● Enjoy the things you love—reading, movies, sunsets, seeing your kids smile

Your vision is one of your most valuable senses. It affects nearly every part of your daily life. And yet, it’s easy to take for granted—until something goes wrong.

August Is the Perfect Time to Book an Exam

If you’ve been putting it off, consider this your reminder: August is National Eye Exam Month. Make it the month you prioritize your vision.

And if your last eye exam was more than two years ago—or if you’re experiencing any changes in your vision—don’t wait.

Your future self (and your eyes) will thank you.

Final Thought

Vision loss is often preventable. But only if you catch the problem early.

An eye exam is quick, painless, and one of the best investments you can make in your long-term health. So whether you’re reading this with crystal clarity or squinting a little more than usual, take a moment to book your appointment.

Schedule your comprehensive eye exam with Drs. Kopolow and Girsgen, by texting GLASSES to 21000, calling us at (702) 452-2020, or booking an appointment online here.