Why Annual Eye Exams Matter More Than You Think
Annual eye exams are essential for detecting hidden eye and health conditions, improving vision comfort, and staying ahead of potential issues before they escalate.
Let’s be real: most people only think about getting an eye exam when their vision gets noticeably worse, their glasses break, or when they run out of contacts. However, I would argue that annual eye exams are one of the most important checkups you can get, even if your eyesight is “fine.”
As we approach the 1-year anniversary of Vision Care Center in Bellevue, I’ve seen it time and time again: patients come in thinking everything’s normal, and we catch things early that could’ve turned into serious problems down the road. That’s the power of prevention — and why your yearly eye exam really matters. Eye doctors are much better at preventing problems, rather than trying to fix them when they occur
👁️ It’s About More Than Just Vision
Yes, updating your glasses and contact lens prescriptions are important. But there’s a lot more happening during your visit to your local optometrist in Bellevue:
1. We screen for serious eye diseases that show no early symptoms.
Eye diseases such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration often develop silently. By the time vision changes show up, damage may already be done. With regular comprehensive eye exams, we can catch these issues early — when they’re easier to treat. At Vision Care Center, we utilize the latest in wide field imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT) for the best early detection of these conditions. Learn more at the following blog posts:
- Optos Retinal Imaging – Ultra-Widefield Eye Disease Detection
- Topcon Maestro 2 OCT – High-Definition Laser Scans for Early Eye Disease Detection
2. Your eyes reveal what your body’s trying to tell you.
Sometimes the earliest signs of systemic conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes can be found in your eyes before your primary care physician (PCP). These diseases affect your smallest blood vessels first, which are in your eyes. The eyes are not only a window to your soul, but also to your systemic health.
3. Small prescription changes = major quality of life upgrades.
Even a minor tweak in your eyeglass prescription can reduce eye strain, improve night driving, or give you clearer vision for screen time. You don’t have to suffer through subtle discomfort. We can fix it with the right corrective lenses, and with our updated frame collection, you’ll look good too!
4. Digital devices aren’t going anywhere.
Unless computer screens go away for good, everyone will experience dry eyes eventually. At Vision Care Center, we can strategize the best way to maintain the health and vision of your eyes for as long as possible. Whether that is through simple eye drops and hot compresses, to more advanced treatment, we will be able to keep your ocular hygiene goated.
🔁 So, How Often Should You Come In?
At least once per year, especially if you wear glasses and/or contacts. If you are being monitored for other conditions, such as glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy, then 2-3 times a year may be necessary. Your Vision Care Center Optometrist will advise on the most optimal exam timings
🎉 Bonus: It’s the Perfect Time to Book
With our 1-year anniversary celebration in Bellevue coming up on August 29, now’s a great time to schedule your next eye exam, especially if you are in the market for new glasses! Get your glasses prescription ready before August 29th in order to be eligible for discounts and giveaways! If you have gotten your annual exam already, we look forward to showing off our new frames!
Bottom line:
Annual eye exams aren’t just a vision check — they’re a health check, and at Vision Care Center in Bellevue, we make it easy, comfortable, and, of course, fun!
You're Invited to Our 1-Year Anniversary Celebration! Visit our 1 Year Anniversary Celebration page to learn more.
