Why is it important to have my eyes checked every year?

Your eyesight is one of your most precious senses and taking care of your eyes should not be taken lightly. Did you know that many illnesses show their earliest signs in the eyes? Likewise, your vision can be affected by many different diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, unusually frequent headaches, high cholesterol, multiple sclerosis, glaucoma, and cataracts. These are just a few of the diseases your doctor checks for during every exam.

If I wear eyeglasses now, am I automatically a good candidate for contacts?

Not necessarily. Many factors are considered when your eye doctor examines yours eyes for contact lens wear. These include the curvature of your eye, your prescription strength and how many tears your eyes produce naturally. Once your eye doctor has all the pertinent information, he or she can recommend appropriate eyewear whether glasses or contacts.

I want to wear color contact lenses for fun. Do I still need to have an eye exam?

Absolutely. In order to properly fit contacts, you will need a doctor to measure the curvature of the front of your eye. Wearing contacts without a proper fit can lead to discomfort as well as abrasions and eye infections.

Is it okay to wear reading glasses that I can buy at a drug or grocery store?

Yes. You can ask your doctor during your regular exam what strength you need. You don’t want to wear glasses that are too strong as they can damage your vision. Be sure to have your eyes examined at least once a year by a qualified Ophthalmologist or Optometrist so that the health of your eyes can also be monitored.

Why is it so important to wear sunglasses when I’m outside?

It isn’t enough just to wear sunglasses. You need to wear sunglasses that provide UV protection from the harmful rays of the sun. One of the leading causes of cataracts is overexposure to UV rays. This applies to everyone, including children.