Summarize the following:
Experts recommend that all adults at least get a comprehensive dilated eye exam by the age of 40, and follow up with regular visits thereafter. Check to see if you have vision insurance or a health policy that covers eye care. Regular health insurance typically covers screenings for those with an increased risk factor for eye disease. If you don't have insurance coverage, find out the eye doctor's fee for a routine exam, and for any special testing that may be required. See the right kind of eye care professional at the right time. Ophthalmologists, optometrists, and opticians all deal with eye care and treatment but have different training and expertise.. You can request a referral for an ophthalmologist or optometrist from your family physician, or call a local hospital or medical center's department of ophthalmology or optometry for information. Most commonly, eye drops are placed in the eye in order to dilate the pupil. The patient's eyes are then evaluated for vision acuity, coordination of eye muscles, peripheral vision, response to light, color testing, eyelid health and function, the health of the interior and back of the eye, and pressure. Beginning at the age of six months, infants should have their first eye examination. Vision and eye development problems in children are best treated if they are caught early. Some conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, HIV or AIDS, or thyroid diseases can cause or worsen eye conditions. Additionally, you should also contact your physician right away if you have pain in the eye, unusual red eye, or any of the following issues: Bulging or misalignment of one or both eyes Dark curtain or veil that blocks your vision Distorted, doubled, or decreased vision, even if temporary Excess tearing Halos (colored circles around lights) Loss of peripheral (side) vision New floaters (black "strings" or specks in the vision) and/or flashes of light Common eye problems and diseases include glaucoma, cataracts, conjunctivitis, retinal disorders, and macular degeneration. These diseases do not always have symptoms, so if you have a sudden change in vision, it is important to contact your health care professional right away. Cataracts A cataract is a clouding of the lens in the eye, and are common in older people. By age 80, more than half of all Americans either suffer from cataracts or have had cataract surgery. Common symptoms include blurry vision and seeing halos. Glaucoma Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, with the main feature being damage to the optic nerve. Symptoms include slowly losing peripheral vision. There is no cure, but symptoms can be controlled through medication and surgery to lower the eye pressure. Macular degeneration More common even than glaucoma, macular degeneration is the leading cause of vision loss, affecting more than 10 million Americans. It consists of the deterioration of the eye's macula, which is the light-sensitive tissue lining the back of the eye that controls a person's central vision. Your physician will want to know if you have experienced certain conditions or problems before, or have had family members experience them. Diagnoses of nearsightedness and farsightedness have a genetic component. Additionally, diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration may also involve genetic causes. Flushing the eyes with saline can help if you accidentally splash cleaning products or other substances in your eyes.
Find a reputable eye care professional and go for yearly exams. Expect a number of different tests to take place during the exam. Get your children's vision tested on a regular basis. Monitor other conditions or symptoms that aren't eye-related. Tell your physician about changes in your eyesight. Explain to your healthcare provider about your and your family's eye health history. Keep saline solution in your home medical kit.