The Importance of Eye Health: Why Regular Exams are Key for Preventing Vision Problems
By Bernard J. Wolfson, KFF Health News
Picture this: It’s a late Friday afternoon, and I’m stumbling towards my ophthalmologist’s office, my vision obscured by a thickening fog. The pressure in my eyes has spiked, and I’m desperate to find relief. Luckily, the office is still open, and the entire eye care team is waiting for me. They quickly drain the excess ocular fluid, restoring my vision and alleviating the pressure. However, this isn’t the first time this has happened, and they fear it will occur again. Faced with the possibility of another vision-impairing episode heading into the weekend, I’m rushed to the emergency room. There, I’m hooked up to an intravenous tube, receiving a powerful anti-swelling agent throughout the night.
I recount this story to friends and colleagues, only to realize how little they know about eye pressure and the significance of maintaining good eye health. One individual even admitted, “I didn’t know they could measure blood pressure in your eyes.” It’s clear that while people value their vision, many lack awareness of serious eye diseases. A 2016 study published in JAMA Ophthalmology revealed that nearly half of respondents feared losing their eyesight more than their memory, speech, hearing, or limbs. Despite this fear, the study found that many participants were unaware of important eye diseases.
A recent study conducted by Wakefield Research for the nonprofit Prevent Blindness and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals showed that one-quarter of at-risk adults delayed seeking care for vision problems related to diseases of the retina, such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Rohit Varma, the founding director of the Southern California Eye Institute, explains that there is “significantly less of an emphasis placed on eye health than there is on general health.” People often disregard eye issues because they can be painless and progress slowly, leading them to believe that it’s a normal part of aging. However, Varma suggests that if more severe pain was experienced, people would seek medical attention. Unfortunately, many individuals face barriers when trying to access eye care, whether due to lack of insurance, affordability, or limited availability of providers within their communities.
The divide between eye care and general health care exacerbates the situation further. Medical insurance typically covers eye care related to diagnosing or treating diseases, focusing less on routine eye exams or eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions. As a result, separate vision insurance may be needed to cover these costs. It’s crucial to understand what your health plan covers regarding eye care.
As someone who has undergone numerous eye exams, pressure checks, and laser surgeries due to a glaucoma diagnosis, I know firsthand not to take my eyesight for granted. However, even I felt strangely calm when my vision began deteriorating due to an adverse reaction to post-cataract surgery eyedrops. The pressure spikes I experienced could have resulted in permanent vision loss if not treated promptly. My hope is that sharing my close call with blindness will inspire others to prioritize their eye health.
Eyeglasses or contact lenses can greatly improve one’s quality of life by correcting refractive errors, which affect about 150 million Americans. However, it’s essential not to overlook the risks associated with more severe eye conditions that may develop silently over time. With early detection, these conditions can often be managed effectively. For example, glaucoma, which affects approximately 3 million Americans, primarily targets peripheral vision and can damage the optic nerve irreversibly. It is more prevalent among African Americans, with a five times higher occurrence compared to the general population. Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes that damages retinal blood vessels, affects nearly 10 million people in the U.S. Additionally, around 20 million individuals over the age of 40 have macular degeneration, a condition associated with aging that leads to a gradual loss of central vision. Moreover, cataracts are incredibly common in older adults, with half of those age 75 and older experiencing this condition. While cataracts can cause blindness, they can be successfully treated with surgery.
If you’re over 40 and haven’t had a comprehensive eye exam recently or ever, prioritize scheduling one. It’s especially important to get an exam at a younger age if you have diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, or if you identify as African American or belong to another racial or ethnic group at high risk for certain eye diseases. Don’t forget about children either, as they can be affected by various eye conditions. Refractive errors, if left unaddressed during childhood, can result in impairments later in life.
Aside from regular eye exams, adopting a healthy lifestyle also benefits your eyes. According to Andrew Iwach, a clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, “Anything that helps your general health helps your vision.” Practicing stress reduction techniques, engaging in regular exercise, maintaining a balanced diet, and quitting smoking can all contribute to better eye health. It’s also crucial to protect your eyes from injuries by wearing sunglasses outdoors, taking frequent breaks from screens, and wearing protective goggles when participating in activities that could pose a risk.
For more information on eye health and insurance coverage, I recommend visiting the Prevent Blindness website, the American Academy of Ophthalmology’s “EyeSmart” site, and the National Eye Institute. Stay informed and share your knowledge with others. As Andrew Iwach suggests, why not include discussions about eye health during holiday gatherings? Let’s make eye health a priority and help others do the same.
Source: KFF Health News
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