Why Regular Eye Exams Matter—Even If You Have Perfect Vision
If you’ve never had to squint at a screen or reach for reading glasses, it might be tempting to skip your routine eye exam. After all, if your vision is fine, everything must be fine—right? Not quite. Regular eye exams are essential, even for those with perfect sight, and they do much more than check your prescription.
In fact, a comprehensive eye exam can uncover hidden conditions that affect not only your eyes but your overall health.
Eye Exams: A Window Into Your Health
The eye is the only place in the body where blood vessels and nerves can be examined non-invasively. That means optometrists can often detect early signs of systemic conditions—sometimes before other symptoms appear.
Conditions that can be identified during an eye exam include:
Glaucoma: Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma has no early symptoms but can cause irreversible vision loss if not caught early.
Macular degeneration: A leading cause of blindness in adults over 50, this condition is most treatable when identified in its early stages.
Diabetic retinopathy: For those with or at risk of diabetes, changes in the retina may be the first sign of trouble—even before a diabetes diagnosis.
Hypertension and high cholesterol: Subtle changes in blood vessels in the eye may reflect broader cardiovascular issues.
In a busy city like Toronto, where screen-heavy jobs and air pollution can add additional strain to your eyes, scheduling a yearly check-up is a smart preventative measure.
How Often Should You Go?
Adults (18–64): At least every 1–2 years
Seniors (65+): Annually
Children: First exam by age 3, then every 1–2 years during school
Anyone with health risks (diabetes, family history of eye disease): Annually or as recommended
Even if your vision hasn’t changed, your eye health might have.
What to Expect During an Exam
A full eye exam includes more than reading the letter chart. Your optometrist will assess:
Visual acuity
Eye muscle coordination
Internal and external eye health
Pressure inside the eye (important for detecting glaucoma)
Retina and optic nerve health through dilation or imaging
Invest in Long-Term Vision
Regular eye exams are a simple, effective way to preserve your eyesight and detect serious health issues early. Think of it as part of your wellness routine—like going to the dentist or getting a physical.