Always Have Glasses Even if You Don't Usually Wear Them

Eye health is extremely important. That's why people should get the eye care they need from an optometrist. You can find all the eye care services you need at an eye care center. Here are four things an eye care center can do for you:

1. Offer annual eye exams.

Most people should get their eyes examined at least once a year. Yearly eye exams allow optometrists to diagnose problems before they become severe. During a standard eye exam, your eye doctor will test your peripheral vision and visual acuity. They will also test your intraocular eye pressure to rule out conditions such as glaucoma. Some optometrists even test for dry eyes using a special machine that calculates the amount of time a patient's eyes stay wet in between blinks.

2. Update your contact and glasses prescriptions.

Contact lenses and glasses allow people with imperfect vision to see clearly. To get the most benefit from these vision aids, you'll need to have your prescription updated regularly. At an eye care center, an eye doctor will use a phoropter to adjust your vision using a series of lenses. You'll be asked whether a particular lens makes your vision more or less clear. By answering these questions, you will help your eye doctor find the right prescription to help you see. Contact lens prescriptions must be updated annually, while eyeglasses prescriptions are good for two years.

3. Provide glasses and contact lenses.

Once you have your glasses and contact lens prescription in hand, you'll need to purchase the correct optical goods. Eye care centers often sell contact lenses and glasses, in addition to offering eye exams. You'll have the opportunity to try on a variety of glasses so you can find the frames that suit you best. Once you select a pair of glasses, opticians will place prescription lenses in your chosen frames, a process that can usually be completed within a few hours. Purchasing optical goods from an eye care center is a convenient way to get the vision aids you require.

4. Treat eye problems that arise between scheduled appointments.

It's important to attend your annual eye exams. However, eye problems may sometimes arise in between your scheduled appointments. Eye infections can cause pain, itchiness, and redness. If you experience eye discomfort that lasts longer than a few days, you should schedule an appointment at your eye care center. An eye doctor can examine your eyes, taking fluid samples if necessary. You may have a bacterial or fungal infection that requires medication. Eye doctors can prescribe prescription eye drops and ointments to clear up common eye ailments.