Much like routine physical examinations, regular eye exams play a critical role in protecting your ocular health. Many people mistakenly believe these evaluations are unnecessary unless their vision is severely impaired. However, this could not be further from the truth. Eye exams offer much more than a simple vision check; they provide a comprehensive eye health assessment. And your eye health can be the key to uncovering details about your overall health.
During an examination, eye care professionals, like our corneal surgeons at Lake Eye Associates assess your vision and diagnose potential ocular diseases—many of which have slow progression and are not immediately noticeable.
One of the primary focuses of these examinations is cornea care. Read our blog to learn more about why regular eye exams are essential for healthy corneas—which is considered the ‘window’ to better vision and a better quality of life.
About the Cornea
The cornea, a transparent layer at the front of the eye, is vital to vision. Responsible for focusing most of the light that enters the eye, it contributes to around 65-75% of the eye’s total focusing power. However, just like any other part of the eye, the cornea is susceptible to diseases, injuries, and disorders, which can impact your vision.
This is where cornea care comes into the picture, and regular eye examinations are an important facet. At Lake Eye Associates, our experienced corneal surgeons employ advanced diagnostic methods to identify and treat cornea conditions, preventing potential vision loss. Cornea care includes preventive measures to maintain the health of your cornea, as well as treatments for various cornea-related conditions.
Common Cornea Care Treatments
Full Corneal Transplantation
This surgical procedure involves replacing a damaged or diseased cornea with a healthy one from a donor. It’s often performed when the cornea becomes so damaged that vision can’t be restored with less invasive methods. Recovery time can span up to a year.
DSEK & DMEK
Descemet’s Stripping Endothelial Keratoplasty (DSEK) and Descemet’s Membrane Endothelial Keratoplasty (DMEK) are procedures performed to replace the damaged innermost layer of the cornea using a gas or air bubble. Both techniques involve less risk and quicker recovery than full corneal transplants.
Why Regular Eye Exams Are Important
Regular eye examinations incorporate a broad spectrum of checks, from evaluating visual function for proximal and distance vision to diagnosing ocular symptoms. Basic visual acuity screenings can determine if an individual requires corrective eyewear or if adjustments in existing prescriptions are necessary. Conditions such as astigmatism, which can significantly affect day-to-day life, can also be identified and addressed.
Regular eye examinations offer our physicians at Lake Eye Associates the ability to detect potential cornea-related and other ocular diseases at the earliest stages. Notably, a 2022 report by IAPB reveals that around 77% of blindness cases are preventable if diagnosed in time. There are 43 million people worldwide living with blindness and 295 million people living with moderate-to-severe visual impairment. These figures emphasize the need for routine eye examinations.
Some conditions, if left undiagnosed, can cause irreversible damage or become distinctly challenging to treat. For instance, cataracts–which cause the eye’s lens to become opaque and blur vision–can be identified and treated through lens replacement surgery if caught early. The treatments listed in the previous section can be leveraged to fight progressive eye diseases like Keratoconus, Infectious Keratitis, Fuch’s Dystrophy, and more. Learn more about the 4 Common Cornea Conditions and How To Treat Them.
Don’t Delay—Schedule Your Next Eye Exam
Your eyes are crucial to your health; don’t take them for granted. Prioritize your eye health and cornea care by scheduling a regular eye exam with an optometrist or cornea surgeon at Lake Eye Associates.
Book your appointment now and contribute to the longevity of your vision health. We look forward to serving you!
**The information provided in this blog on cornea care is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition.**
