May marks Vision Health Month, a time to remind Albertans that protecting their vision means looking beyond just how clearly they can see. Dr. Cristy Franco, lead optometrist of the neuro-rehabilitative and pediatric Vision Therapy Clinic at Airdrie Family Eye Doctors, emphasized that eye exams play a critical role in not only vision care but overall health.
Franco spoke at an event hosted by the Alberta Association of Optometrists and pointed out that many serious eye conditions can develop with no symptoms until it’s too late. While some people may have 20/20 vision, this does not necessarily mean they have healthy eyes.
"You might be able to see 20/20, but something might be happening inside your eye that you don’t know," Franco explained. "If we can treat it and catch it early enough, then up to 80 per cent of those conditions are preventable and treatable."
The Importance of Regular Eye Exams
One in seven Canadians will experience a serious eye health issue in their lifetime. Yet many people delay or skip regular checkups due to misconceptions about what an optometrist visit entails or who needs them most. Franco debunked three common myths surrounding routine visits:
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"I see perfectly — I don’t need to see an optometrist."
Perfect vision does not mean perfect eye health. Franco noted that many issues have no signs or symptoms until it’s too late. -
Children will automatically notice any issues with their sight.
Franco warned that children may not complain about their vision because they have never experienced anything different. -
Kids don’t need regular check-ups until there’s a problem.
Some parents believe that if their child has perfect eyesight, they should too, and that children who wear glasses or contacts do not need follow-up exams unless recommended.
Recommendations for Eye Exams
While age-related changes in vision are inevitable for some, Franco emphasized that diminished vision doesn’t have to be. Regular checkups can help identify potential problems before they become severe issues requiring more extensive treatment.
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For individuals over 40 years old:
It is essential to get annual comprehensive exams. -
For adults aged 18-39:
The American Academy recommends comprehensive exams every two years. -
For children under six months old:
Pediatricians recommend the first exam within one month after birth. -
For infants aged six months to three years:
Annual exams are recommended. -
For children aged four to five:
Exams should occur every two years. -
For children aged six to eight:
The Canadian Association recommends examinations every other year starting from age six.
Additional Services Provided by Optometrists
Optometrists provide valuable services beyond simply prescribing glasses or contacts. They also perform screenings for conditions such as:
- Glaucoma
- Macular degeneration
- Cataracts
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Amblyopia (lazy eye)
- Strabismus (crossed eyes)
- Keratoconus
- Retinal detachment
- Uveitis
- Conjunctivitis
Regular checkups can help identify potential problems before they become severe issues requiring more extensive treatment down the line. It is essential for individuals over 40 years old to get annual comprehensive exams to maintain their eye health.
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