It’s easy to put off routine health appointments when everything feels fine. But vision changes often happen slowly, and many serious eye diseases develop without early symptoms.
That’s why comprehensive eye exams aren’t just about seeing clearly – they’re about seeing what’s coming before it turns into something more serious.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait for Symptoms to See Your Optometrist
Whether you wear glasses, contact lenses, or have never had a prescription in your life, yearly eye exams are essential to keeping your vision and overall eye health on track. They're one of the simplest – and most overlooked – ways to protect your quality of life as you age.
At Domiano Eye Care, we see firsthand how early detection can change outcomes. Patients with conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and even diabetes often find out first through an eye exam. That’s the power of prevention, and it’s why we encourage our patients of all ages to make their annual exam a priority.
What Happens During a Comprehensive Eye Exam?
If you haven’t had a checkup in a while, you might be surprised at how much more it involves than just reading letters off a chart.
Here’s what a modern comprehensive eye exam typically includes:
- Visual Acuity Testing
Measures how clearly you can see at various distances. - Refraction & Prescription Check
Determines if you need glasses or contacts – and if your current prescription has changed. - Eye Pressure Test (Tonometry)
Used to screen for glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness that rarely has early symptoms. - Retinal Imaging or Dilation
Lets your optometrist view the back of your eye, where signs of disease often first appear. - Eye Movement & Coordination Testing
Checks how well your eyes work together and can help identify issues like strabismus or convergence insufficiency.
These tests provide more than just a snapshot of how you see – they reveal how your eyes are functioning and whether there are any early signs of systemic or ocular disease.
Eye Exams Detect More Than Just Vision Problems
Many people are surprised to learn that eye doctors can detect early signs of health conditions that have nothing to do with vision – at least at first. The eye is the only place in the body where blood vessels can be viewed directly, which makes it a valuable window into systemic health.
Conditions an optometrist can often detect during a routine eye exam include:
- Glaucoma – Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma damages the optic nerve gradually and is best managed when caught early.
- Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) – Early detection can slow its progression and help preserve central vision.
- Diabetic retinopathy – For patients with diabetes, or those unaware they have it, eye exams are critical for preventing irreversible vision loss.
- Signs of hypertension and high cholesterol – These may present as changes in blood vessels or bleeding in the retina.
Because these issues can develop quietly, annual visits are often the only opportunity to catch them before they cause serious or irreversible damage.
How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?
The American Optometric Association provides general guidelines on exam frequency based on age and risk factors:
- Children (6–17 years): At least once a year to monitor vision development and academic performance.
- Adults (18–64 years): Every one to two years, or annually if you wear contacts or have risk factors like diabetes.
- Seniors (65+): Annually, as the risk for eye disease increases significantly with age.
Even if you’ve never worn glasses, these regular exams are key to maintaining your eye health – especially if you use digital devices heavily, have chronic health conditions, or have a family history of eye disease.
Contact lens wearers should absolutely prioritize their annual eye exams, as improper lens fit or wear can lead to complications like corneal damage or infections. Likewise, patients managing conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure benefit from close monitoring of their retinal health.
Comprehensive Eye Exams in Old Forge and Clarks Summit, PA
At Domiano Eye Care, we don’t just update prescriptions – we help protect your long-term vision and health. Our thorough eye exams provide insights into both your eyesight and your overall well-being, catching problems early so you can continue living life with confidence and clarity.
We proudly provide comprehensive eye exams for patients from Old Forge and Clarks Summit, with personalized care for every stage of life.
Make your eye health a priority – schedule an appointment with our trusted eye care team today.