Wellness Wednesday: Importance of regular eye exams

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. (KSNB) - Taking care of your eyes and getting regular exams is something many people don’t make a priority. But doctors say regular checks should be done yearly.

When it comes to eye exams, doctors recommend starting them as early as 6-12 months old.

Dr. Josh Conner, an Optometrist with Unity Eye Centers in Grand Island, said exams are much more extensive and go beyond vision screenings. They’re also looking to catch chronic issues and degenerative conditions that can be more serious and can happen gradually.

These are among the reasons he says yearly exams are important.

“A common condition like cataracts, which is a slow, gradual blurring to their vision, whereas other conditions it might be more sudden. If you feel like you’re losing vision we want to check those patients. But the best advice it to check those regularly to prevent vision loss.”

Dr. Conner also said it’s important for children to start getting exams early to check for things like lazy eye, vision impairment, and other possible issues.

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