When was the last time you went for an eye exam? Going for an appointment to get your eyes checked may not seem particularly important if you don’t currently have any worries about the health of your eyes or your vision. However, regular eye exams do form an important part of our preventative care.


We only get one pair of eyes during our lifetime, and we rely on them for virtually everything that we do day-to-day. This means that attending regular eye exams (ideally at least once every year, more frequently if your eye doctor says otherwise) should be at the top of our to-do list. Here’s why:

We use our vision constantly, and healthy eyes are essential for clear vision

Unsurprisingly, the main reason why attending regular eye exams is so important is because of just how valuable our eyesight is. Could you do even 10% of what you do every day without your vision? Probably not without a great deal of help and support, at least at first. Our eyes and vision enable us to engage with the world around us, learn, work and participate in fun activities. Our eyesight also helps keep us safe. If your vision is in any way impaired, it can have a very real impact on your ability to live a happy and fulfilling life. 

Eye diseases can be prevented by attending regular eye exams

Unfortunately, there are many different eye diseases that can cause unpleasant and debilitating symptoms, as well as have the potential to compromise our vision, maybe even permanently if they aren’t treated quickly. When you attend regular routine eye exams, your eye doctor will closely monitor the health and condition of your eyes. This will enable any problems to be detected early on before they have any severe consequences for your vision. 

Some eye diseases don’t cause symptoms

Sadly, not all eye diseases cause any noticeable symptoms. This means that if you don’t attend regular eye exams, they could progress and cause irreversible damage to your vision before you become aware that you are affected and seek the necessary professional help. For example, glaucoma and macular degeneration are two common eye diseases that usually develop slowly over many months and years. Consistent monitoring by your eye doctor will mean that any abnormal changes to your vision will be detected and can be treated at the first possible opportunity, preserving your long-term vision. 

Help your child to reach their full potential

As much as 80% of what is taught in schools is still presented in a visual format, meaning that your child’s eyes are a vital tool in their learning and development. Any problems with their vision could prevent them from staying on track with their learning and fulfilling their academic potential. Many children are misdiagnosed with learning difficulties such as dyslexia or ADHD, only to find that there is actually a problem with their vision that is preventing them from learning successfully. This delay could cause them to experience frustration, anxiety and even a loss of confidence at school. However, by ensuring your child regularly attends eye exams, you can rest assured that their vision is where it should be for them to access their learning. 

Regular eye exams can detect general health problems

Many people are unaware that eye exams can be used to detect other potentially serious general health problems too. In fact, many people first discover that they are affected by other health issues as a result of what has been detected during their routine eye exam. Some of the health conditions that may be picked up can include diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, sickle cell disease, and even cancer. 

To schedule your regular eye exam, visit Natural State Eyecare in Little Rock, Arkansas. Call (501) 295-4011 to schedule an appointment.