Life gets busy, and it’s easy to put off scheduling annual eye exams. But skipping your yearly visit to the eye doctor can have bigger consequences than you might expect. Regular exams do more than update your glasses prescription; they also help protect your long-term eye health and detect underlying conditions.
Here’s what can happen when you skip your yearly eye exam:
Eye diseases can develop silently
Conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts often progress without obvious symptoms in the early stages. By the time vision changes become noticeable, permanent damage may already have occurred. Annual exams allow eye doctors to detect subtle changes before they threaten your eyesight, giving you more treatment options and better outcomes.
Your contacts may not fit properly anymore
Your contact lenses may have fit comfortably a year ago, but that doesn’t guarantee they still do today. Even small changes in your eye shape can affect the fit, leaving lenses less comfortable or even unsafe to wear. Annual exams ensure your specialty contact lenses or daily wear contacts provide the best vision and eye health protection.
Untreated eye conditions may progress over time
For individuals managing glaucoma or diabetic eye disease or participating in vision therapy, consistent monitoring is essential. Missing checkups can lead to treatment delays, worsening symptoms, or fewer options for preserving your eyesight. Regular visits give your eye doctor the chance to adjust treatment plans and help keep conditions under control.
Your quality of life can deteriorate
Your vision affects nearly every part of your day, from focusing on tasks at work or school to enjoying hobbies, sports, and family activities. An outdated prescription can lead to headaches, eye strain, fatigue, and blurry or distorted vision, making everyday tasks feel frustrating. Keeping your prescription current improves your vision and helps you stay comfortable, productive, and confident throughout the day.
Certain medical issues may not be detected early
Did you know your eyes are the only part of your body where your blood vessels can be seen without an invasive procedure? By looking at your eyes, your eye doctor can detect early signs of systemic health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. In some cases, your optometrist is the first to notice signs of these conditions, even before your primary care provider.
During comprehensive eye exams, your eye doctor can monitor these changes and recommend follow-up care when needed.
Skipping yearly exams can affect kids’ vision, too
Children don’t always realize when they’re struggling to see clearly. Missing a pediatric eye exam could mean undiagnosed vision issues that affect school performance and development. For children at risk of or already showing signs of nearsightedness, myopia management is far more effective when started earlier. Yearly exams ensure kids get the right care at the right time.
Protect your long-term vision
Making time for your annual eye exam is an investment in your future. Regular visits help ensure clear, comfortable vision and reduce your risk of long-term complications from untreated eye conditions.
At The Optics Group Clinics, we have seven convenient locations in Alma, Mt. Pleasant, State Street, St. Louis, Carson City, Oscoda, and Calumet. Call us or schedule an appointment online today. We’ll help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear!
