Eye examinations for preventive care are an important part of eye health. Anyone with a history of visual problems should get routine preventive care. People who wear contact lenses should get an exam annually. Yearly exams become important in the late thirties when changes in vision and focus along with eye diseases are more likely to develop. Squinting, blinking, rubbing eyes frequently, headaches, changes in vision and difficulty with visual concentration within arm's length may be signs of eye problems and should be checked by your optometrist.
Contact lenses have certain advantages over glasses.
They allow a natural field of view since there are no frames to block side vision. Also, they move with the eye so that the wearer usually looks through the center of the lens where vision is the best. The keys to successful contact lens use are personal motivation, proper fit, proper lenses and continuous professional care. They usually take a little longer to adapt to than soft contact lenses, but they allow significantly more oxygen to the cornea and may be worn for longer periods of time. Soft contact lenses, on the other hand, are easy to use because the eye quickly adapts to them.