When it comes to eye care, preventative measures can save you tremendous pain and expense down the road. If any of these categories apply to you, you should visit your optometrist annually to keep your vision clear and your eyes healthy for years to come:

Family History

If you have a family history of eye diseases like glaucoma or macular degeneration, you may be a higher risk for developing the same conditions as you age. Likewise, diseases like diabetes, stroke, and heart disease can run in the family and cause eye-related complications. Regular visits to your optometrist will ensure that your eye health is well-monitored and preventative care is practiced.

Complications from Disease

As mentioned above, many diseases can have an ill effects on your eyes, leading to complications like cataracts or even blindness. Diabetes, for example, can cause diabetic retinopathy, which is the leading cause of blindness in Canada. If you suffer from a disease with possible eye-related complications, regular visits to your optometrist for preventative care is of vital importance.

Side-Effects from Medication

As you age, you are more likely to require prescription medication to treat medical problems ranging from osteoporosis to high blood pressure. These medications can have side effects that affect your eye health. Blood pressure medication and diuretics have been linked to the progression of glaucoma in many patients. Osteoporosis medication, on the other hand, may cause orbital inflammation in rare cases. These and myriad other complications may result from medication. Visiting your optometrist annually can ensure that these side effects are addressed as early as possible.

Age-Related Degeneration

Even people with perfect vision in their younger years will experience degeneration and vision reduction as they age. You may come to need reading glasses when you get older or be legally required to wear glasses when you drive. Annual visits to your eye doctor can assure that worsening vision is corrected and measures are taken to restore your vision clarity as soon as possible.

Glasses Adjustment

Our eyes slowly lose focus and strength as we age. Annual visits to your optometrist will ensure that your eyeglasses are updated to match your current vision requirements. If you let your prescription lapse, you may experience blurred vision, eye strain, headaches, and general discomfort.

When you consider these factors, it is clear that regular visits to your optometrist are very important if you place a priority on preserving your eye health.