Eyesight is one of the most essential senses, with more than 80 percent of what people perceive coming through sight. The eyes are a vital part of health, and regular eye care is critical for overall well-being. 

Protecting the eyes can help reduce the chances of experiencing vision loss or developing severe eye diseases. As well as protecting the eyes, eye care helps ensure the entire body is healthy. Here are reasons why eye care is as critical as regular health care. 

Preventative Maintenance 

Regular visits to the eye doctor provide a vital preventative function. They can help prevent the development of serious eye diseases that can result in vision loss. The exams should begin in early childhood and continue throughout an individual's life. 

Many severe eye conditions do not have symptoms in the early stages. Comprehensive eye exams allow specialists to detect early signs of the diseases. Early detection is crucial for effective treatment or management of eye diseases such as macular degeneration and glaucoma. 

Eye Health and Overall Health 

Vision care helps change lives. Regular visits to the eye doctor help not just with eye care but with overall health care. It is said, "The eyes are the windows to the body," and doctors can detect health conditions by examining the eyes. 

The eyes are the only area of the body where blood vessels can be examined without surgery. Inspecting the blood supply can help detect conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and brain tumors. It also helps detect liver disease and various blood diseases. 

Eye Health and Brain Health 

Healthy eyesight is essential for good brain function. The brain is a vital organ that allows individuals to live healthily. The optic nerve connects the eyes and the brain, and healthy codependence is essential. 

Keeping the eyes and brain healthy helps improve the overall quality of life. Good vision helps enhance learning and comprehension, athletic ability, driving skills, and the overall quality of life. 

Maintaining Strong Vision

Millions of people require vision correction from early childhood. Some assume they have good eyesight until they get an eye exam and realize they need vision correction. When they wear the first pair of glasses, they are surprised as everything comes into clear view. 

They find that they can read everything clearly, from street signs to fine print. Your eyesight may change over time, but regular eye exams will help ensure that you enjoy clear vision. 

Comprehensive Eye Exam 

Eye diseases can go unnoticed for years, and many do not have symptoms in the initial stages. A comprehensive eye exam usually includes a dilated eye exam that helps in the early detection of eye diseases. Early treatment is vital for preventing vision loss or blindness. 

Many eye diseases may be age-related, but children need regular eye exams as much as adults. During eye exams, specialists test the patient's visual acuity, alignment, depth perception, and eye movement. They help ensure that the eyes are developing correctly. 

Apart from getting regular eye exams, there are ways to protect your eye health. They include eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, and wearing sunglasses and eye protection. Smoking harms eye health, and it is vital to avoid the habit. 

For more on why eye care is as important as regular health care, call Albright Eyecare at (830) 271-4900 for our office in New Braunfels, Texas.