When you hear “20/20 vision,” you probably think perfect eyesight. But having sharp distance vision is just one piece of the eye health puzzle. A complete eye exam offers so much more than just a quick letter chart test.
20/20 simply means you can read letters clearly from 20 feet away. While that’s important, it doesn’t guarantee your eyes are healthy or that you’re seeing everything clearly. Many eye conditions develop silently, without obvious symptoms, especially in the early stages. Conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy can threaten vision long before you notice any changes.
A comprehensive eye exam is a thorough checkup that looks beyond visual acuity. Eye care professionals use a variety of tests to assess your eye health, including:
- Refraction Test: Determines your exact prescription for glasses or contacts.
- Slit-Lamp Examination: Uses a microscope to inspect the front part of your eye, checking for issues like cataracts or corneal problems.
- Intraocular Pressure Test: Measures pressure inside the eye to screen for glaucoma.
- Retinal Examination: Checks the back of your eye, including the retina and optic nerve, for signs of diseases.
- Peripheral Vision Test: Detects blind spots that may indicate glaucoma or other problems.
Everyone should get regular comprehensive eye exams, not just people with vision problems. Children, adults and seniors all benefit from these exams. If you have diabetes, high blood pressure or a family history of eye disease, your eye doctor may recommend more frequent visits.
Because many eye diseases don’t show symptoms early on, catching them during a complete eye exam can prevent vision loss. Treatments work best when started early, so don’t wait for blurry vision or discomfort to schedule your exam.
Your eyes are more than just a window to the world—they’re complex organs that deserve a full health check. Next time you think about your eye care, remember 20/20 is just the beginning. Schedule a comprehensive eye exam to protect your vision for years to come. Contact Arizona Eye Specialists at 602-254-7255 or WEBSITE.