Dugel, Raj article # 5 / 02-15-06

How often should I get an eye examination?

The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends a routine eye examination every two years. If there is any family history of an eye disease, then your eyes should be examined every year. And for good reason: the most common causes of decreased vision and even blindness go undetected until the advanced stages. By the time the patient becomes aware of the visual problem, the lost vision often cannot be restored by any means. “Prevention is better than cure” couldn’t be more applicable in the detection of eye disorders. In fact, half of all blindness in the world is preventable.

Many adults who have uncomfortable glare in bright outdoor light or at night, difficulty reading road signs, and decreased side vision are completely unaware that they are affected by cataracts. Cataracts may affect individuals of any age. “Most individuals with cataracts continue to drive despite markedly diminished visual capacity. Early detection and management of cataracts could result in significant improvements in driver safety, efficiency and mobility,“ reports the National Research Council. Fifty percent over age 65 are affected by cataracts. Cataracts are detectable on routine eye examination. Cataracts can be removed in a painless surgical procedure, and over 95% enjoy improved vision thereafter.

Glaucoma is a major cause of blindness in the United States and the world. Two out of 100 Americans over age 35 are at risk for glaucoma, especially individuals with a family history of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a silent disease. Because it initially damages peripheral (side) vision, early glaucoma escapes any detection by the patient. Yet, damage to vision from glaucoma is permanent. The lost vision can never be recovered. In most cases, glaucoma is initially detected by a routine eye exam, visual loss can be prevented if the glaucoma is detected early and treated adequately.

The eyes are indeed the windows of the entire body: High blood pressure, diabetes, arthritis and a host of other diseases are often first seen within the eye, before they become clinically evident. Early detection of these diseases can be life saving.

Raj U. Dugel, M.D.

Diplomate, American Board of Ophthalmology

Member, South Bay Independent Physicians Medical Group, Inc.