The Importance of Annual Eye Exams
There are often no warning signs or symptoms associated with eye disorders and diseases. Vision changes can develop so slowly that you may not even notice. If not detected in time, some of these changes can have irreversible effects on your vision. Early detection is the key, and it is very important to have regular eye exams with an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
Eye care professionals can detect eye diseases or vision problems sometimes before you experience any symptoms or difficulties. In addition to the visual acuity (eye chart) test, your eye care professional can also perform a comprehensive dilated eye exam to help assess the current status of your vision. This exam allows the healthcare professional to get a magnified view of the back of your eye, in order to detect changes in the retina, macula, or optic nerve.
Early detection and treatment (eye drops, corrective eye glasses, surgery or other) can help prevent or delay eyesight deterioration.
Simply put, annual eye exams are essential for eye health. In fact, the RAMQ covers the cost of eye exams for all residents of Quebec who are 65 years or older. It also covers some of the costs for people under the age of 64, if they have certain conditions.
It is important to share any concerns you have about your vision with your eye care professional.
To learn more
- To read about eye exams in people with Alzheimer or cognitive impairment, go to our article:
