Eyes are the windows to the soul. Pretty important, right?
Then why is it that an estimated 61 million Americans are at risk for vision loss, and yet only half have visited an eye doctor in the last year?
Eye exams can be easy to forget. Unless you have a problem seeing or need your vision prescription for glasses or contacts, years can go by without getting an exam.
Be empowered to prioritize your eye health. You could see some major benefits of getting an eye exam like:
1. Prevent blindness or decreasing vision
Despite strides in healthcare and technology, the number of Americans with eye diseases is actually increasing. And the vast majority of cases of blindness are caused by diseases like cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Less than four percent of cases of blindness are due to injuries. Which means you should be less concerned about shooting an eye out and more concerned about getting an eye exam.
2. Check your overall health
Your eye doctor can tell if you’re developing a chronic disease like high cholesterol, high blood pressure or diabetes just from looking at your eyes. By getting an eye exam, you may get the kick in the butt you need to make healthy lifestyle changes or to make an appointment with your Primary Care Physician to discuss your overall health.
3. Save money
Because an eye doctor could be your first healthcare provider to detect a chronic disease, treatment for the disease can begin earlier, which usually leads to less complications and could slow the progression or even reverse it. And that saves money for you and your health insurance. If everyone received early detection and treatment of chronic diseases, we’re talking a savings in the billions of dollars.
Chart via Allaboutivision.com
How Often Should I Get an Eye Exam?
The frequency of eye exams depends on your age, gender and health risks. For the most part, children and people over 40 need to go more frequently. Adults in their 20s and 30s can space exams slightly further, around five to 10 years. Ask your doctor at your next eye exam how frequently you should be seen.
Eye exam frequency by age
How to update your Heads Up Health profile:
Navigate to the “Profile” section and scroll to the tile for “Routine Screenings.” Then add the date of your last eye exam.
Add the date of your last eye exam in your Heads Up Health profile.
Important: Be sure to also upload a copy of your eye exam into the “File” section. If your doctor detects a chronic condition, you’ll probably need to share that report when you seek treatment. This could also come in handy if your vision prescription is documented and you need to order new glasses or contact lenses.
Upload your eye exam report to your Heads Up Health files
If you’re ready to add your last eye exam date and record to Heads Up Health, head over to our website and get started. Or if you just want the latest from Heads Up Health, follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
Questions? Shoot us an email. We’re here to help!
