Most people don’t think about eye health until something changes – blurrier vision, trouble reading small print, or unexpected floaters crossing their line of sight. But many eye conditions don’t announce themselves with symptoms right away.
That’s why the best time to schedule a comprehensive eye exam is before you notice something’s wrong.
Why Annual Eye Exams Should Be a Non-Negotiable Health Habit
A yearly eye exam allows your optometrist to monitor subtle changes in your vision, eye structure, and overall eye health. These check-ups help detect issues like glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinal tears, and even signs of high blood pressure or diabetes – sometimes before a primary care doctor would catch them.
At Domiano Eye Care, we emphasize regular exams for patients of all ages because we’ve seen firsthand how early detection can protect vision for life. Whether you’re a student, a busy adult, or a senior managing chronic conditions, your eyes need attention year after year.
When and How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?
The general recommendation is simple: schedule an eye exam once every year, even if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms. That’s because many eye diseases progress slowly and silently.
However, some people may need more frequent visits depending on their age, lifestyle, and medical history.
If You Have Symptoms Like:
- Blurry or double vision
- New floaters or flashes of light
- Eye pain or redness
- Difficulty seeing at night
These could signal anything from a simple refractive change to more serious retinal or optic nerve issues.
If You Have Certain Health Conditions:
- Diabetes increases the risk of diabetic retinopathy.
- Hypertension can lead to changes in retinal blood vessels.
- Autoimmune diseases can cause inflammation that affects your eyes.
People managing these conditions may need to be seen every 6–12 months to keep a close eye on potential complications.
If You’re in a Higher-Risk Age Group:
- Children should have annual exams to support academic success and early development.
- Older adults face increased risks for cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.
Annual exams help stay ahead of these changes.
Why Skipping Eye Exams Can Have Long-Term Consequences
Eye conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration are known for their quiet progression. They often begin without pain, irritation, or noticeable vision changes.
Missing annual eye exams means missing the chance to catch these issues early – when treatments are most effective. In some cases, early detection can completely prevent vision loss or at least slow its progress significantly. Regular visits also ensure that your glasses or contact lens prescription is accurate, reducing eye strain, headaches, and fatigue.
What to Expect During a Comprehensive Eye Exam
Whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth, knowing what’s involved in a full exam can help you feel more prepared – and remind you why it’s worth showing up for.
Pre-Exam Testing
- Retinal Imaging: High-resolution images of the retina and optic nerve.
- Peripheral Vision Tests: Checks for blind spots or field loss.
- Prescription Assessment: Determines your current refractive error.
Consultation with the Optometrist
Your optometrist will review your medical and ocular history, discuss symptoms, and perform a detailed examination using specialized tools. Additional tests like dilation or intraocular pressure checks may be included.
Post-Exam Assistance
If your prescription has changed or if corrective lenses are needed, our optician will guide you through selecting the right frames and lenses suited to your vision and lifestyle.
Routine Eye Checkups in Old Forge & Clarks Summit, PA
At Domiano Eye Care, we believe that consistent eye care builds a foundation for lifelong vision health. Whether you're due for your annual exam or it's been a few years, we're here to guide you through every step with clarity, compassion, and clinical precision.
We proudly serve patients from We proudly serve patients from Old Forge and Clarks Summit, offering comprehensive eye exams for every age and stage of life. offering comprehensive eye exams for every age and stage of life.
Protect your vision – contact us to schedule an appointment and make your eye health a lasting priority.