It can be easy to take your eyesight for granted. You may think little to nothing about seeing well and not suffering any issues with your vision. However, to ensure that your eyesight remains sharp and clear, you need to undergo a yearly eye examination. A regular eye exam can be critical to safeguarding your vision and preventing serious complications with your eyes.

Testing Your Eyesight

The most critical reason to undergo a regular eye exam involves testing your eyesight. You need to make sure that you can see just as well this year as you did the year before.

In fact, as you age, it can be normal to lose eye strength. Your eye doctor can determine if you are losing your ability to see well and if you need contacts or glasses. If you do need these visual aids, you can have your optometrist create a pair that is strong enough to restore your eyesight.

Checking Your Retinas

Another important element of undergoing a regular eye exam involves checking the attachment and health of your retinas. When you suffer from certain illnesses, such as diabetes, your retinas can be at risk of detaching. If your retinas detach, you may then suffer from a condition known as macular degeneration, which is hallmarked by symptoms like black dots in front of your central vision.

Depending on your overall health, you may need to undergo eye surgery to reattach your retinas. This surgery can restore your vision and help you avoid going partially or fully blind.

Redoing Your Glasses or Contacts

Finally, a regular eye exam lets your doctor know if your glasses or contacts need to be made stronger. During the year, your vision may change and become weaker. Your glasses or contacts may need to be reformulated and made stronger to help you see.

Renewing your prescription can be particularly important if you plan on having your driver's license renewed. If you fail the eye test, you may not receive your new license until you get new glasses or contacts.

These are some of the aspects that go into a regular eye exam. Your eye doctor can test your vision and see if it has become weaker in the last year. Likewise, they can make sure that your retinas are healthy and not detached. Finally, you can get new glasses or contacts if needed.

For more information about eye exams, contact a local eye center, like Leader Heights Eye Center.