Think back: when was your last comprehensive eye exam?
If it’s been more than a year, you’re not alone. Many adults delay eye care because they assume their vision is “fine.” But what most people don’t realize is that many sight-threatening conditions – like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease – can develop with zero noticeable symptoms in the early stages.
At Domiano Eye Care, we provide comprehensive eye exams to adults throughout Lackawanna County, including Clarks Summit and Old Forge. Whether you wear glasses or have never needed vision correction, a yearly eye exam is still one of the smartest steps you can take for your health.
In this article, we’ll explain why regular eye exams matter, what’s included in a comprehensive visit, and why adults over 40 – especially those with risk factors – should be extra vigilant.
What Do Comprehensive Eye Exams Include at Domiano Eye Care?
An adult eye exam is about far more than just reading a chart.
During your visit, our optometrists evaluate your visual acuity and prescription needs, but they also check the health of your retina, optic nerve, and surrounding structures. This allows us to catch eye diseases early – often before they cause irreversible vision loss.
A thorough eye exam typically includes:
- Visual acuity testing
- Refraction to determine your glasses or contact lens prescription
- Intraocular pressure measurement (a key test for glaucoma)
- Retinal imaging or dilation to examine the back of the eye
- Evaluation of your eye’s focusing ability, eye movements, and coordination
If you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease, these visits are even more important. Your eyes can show signs of systemic conditions long before symptoms show up elsewhere in the body – sometimes even before your primary care doctor knows there’s a problem.
What Can Eye Exams Detect Before You Notice Symptoms?
Some of the most serious eye conditions are also the sneakiest. They develop slowly and painlessly, making it easy to miss the signs – until it’s too late. Regular eye exams are your best defense.
Here are just a few of the conditions that can be caught early during a comprehensive exam:
- Glaucoma: Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma gradually damages the optic nerve. It’s one of the leading causes of blindness – but early treatment can slow or stop its progression.
- Macular Degeneration: This age-related condition affects central vision and can make tasks like reading or recognizing faces difficult. Early detection allows for better management.
- Diabetic Eye Disease: Diabetes can damage the tiny blood vessels in your retina, leading to vision changes or even permanent loss. Eye exams are essential for diabetic patients, even if their vision seems stable.
- Cataracts: These develop gradually and can cause cloudy or dim vision. Catching cataracts early helps plan timely treatment and maintain your quality of life.
Even if your eyes feel fine, these conditions could be developing beneath the surface – and only a trained eye doctor can catch them in time.
Trusted Optometrists in Clarks Summit and Old Forge, PA
At Domiano Eye Care, we’re committed to helping adults in Lackawanna County protect their vision and overall health. Whether you need a new prescription or simply haven’t had an eye exam in years, we make the process thorough, personalized, and comfortable.
With two convenient locations – one on North Main Street in Old Forge and another in the Abington Shopping Center in Clarks Summit – it’s easy to fit care into your schedule.
If you’re over 40, have a family history of eye disease, or live with a chronic health condition, don’t wait for symptoms to appear.
Schedule your comprehensive eye exam today – and take a proactive step toward lifelong vision health.