In Mississippi, about 1 in 7 adults over 45 live with diabetes, and many others are at risk of developing high blood pressure and other silent conditions that can go unnoticed until it’s too late. But what many people in Tupelo don’t realize is that an annual comprehensive eye exam can help detect these issues early, often before you notice anything is wrong.
At Wesson and Mothershed Eye Center, our eye care team looks beyond your eyeglass prescription. Whether you’re a working parent, a retired teacher, or a student staring at screens all day, your annual eye exam is a powerful window into your total health.
What Is Included in a Comprehensive Eye Exam?
A comprehensive eye exam is more than a quick look at an eye chart. It's a detailed evaluation of your eyes and visual system, including:
- Visual Acuity Test: Measures how clearly you see at various distances.
- Refraction Assessment: Identifies the right prescription for corrective lenses.
- Eye Chart Testing: Confirms visual clarity and screens for conditions such as myopia or astigmatism.
- Slit Lamp Exam: Examines the front part of your eye, including the cornea, iris, and lens, to look for signs of damage or disease.
- Tonometry: Measures the pressure inside your eyes, which is important for detecting glaucoma.
- Peripheral Vision Test: Assesses your side vision, which can be affected by neurological issues or glaucoma.
- Dilated Eye Exam: Provides a deeper view of the retina, macula, and optic nerve for signs of disease, including macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.
How Often Should You Have Your Eyes Checked?
Routine eye exams should be part of your regular healthcare, whether or not you wear glasses or contacts. Here’s a general guide to help you understand the frequency of eye tests based on your age and risk profile:
Children and Teens
- Every 1–2 years, depending on vision development and school performance.
Adults Aged 20–40
- Every 2 years, unless you have corrective lenses or vision problems.
- Annual eye exams are recommended for screen-heavy jobs or dry eye symptoms.
Adults Aged 40–60
- Annual eye exams are key to detecting early signs of macular degeneration, glaucoma, and presbyopia.
- If you manage a chronic condition like diabetes or high blood pressure, get your eyes examined yearly.
Adults Over 60
- An annual eye check is critical. Aging increases the risk of eye diseases and systemic health problems that show up in the eyes.
After Cataract Surgery
- Even with new intraocular lenses, regular eye exams monitor overall eye health, rule out other issues, and check for potential long-term effects.
Health Issues Detected During Eye Exams
A routine eye exam doesn’t just help with vision problems—it can also flag early signs of serious health concerns. The eyes provide a unique view of blood vessels, nerves, and other internal structures that can reflect changes happening elsewhere in the body. During a comprehensive eye exam at Wesson and Mothershed Eye Center, our eye doctor may detect:
1. High Blood Pressure
When your blood pressure is elevated, it can damage the tiny vessels in your retina. This condition, called hypertensive retinopathy, often has no early symptoms. Eye exams can catch these changes before they become serious.
2. Diabetes
Diabetic retinopathy is a leading cause of blindness in adults. Early signs can be spotted during an eye exam, even before a diabetes diagnosis, through a dilated retinal exam that reveals changes in blood vessel structure.
3. Macular Degeneration
This eye condition affects central vision and is more common with age. Regular eye exams can identify early signs of dry or wet macular degeneration, which is crucial for slowing its progression.
4. Glaucoma
Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma damages the optic nerve without early warning signs. A tonometry test that measures the pressure inside your eyes is essential for early detection.
5. Thyroid Conditions
Bulging eyes or changes in eye movement may indicate thyroid eye disease. These signs can be subtle and may be detected during a routine slit lamp or external eye exam.
6. Autoimmune and Neurological Conditions
Inflammation or swelling in the optic nerve may signal multiple sclerosis or another systemic issue. If vision loss occurs suddenly or peripheral vision is reduced, it could point to a more complex condition.
See the Bigger Picture: Prioritize Your Eye Health in Tupelo, MS
Your eye exam is more than a prescription update. It’s a key part of your preventive healthcare, providing insights into your eyes and your body. For patients of all ages in Tupelo, routine eye exams offer peace of mind, early detection of serious health issues, and a stronger connection to long-term wellness.
Book your comprehensive eye exam at Wesson and Mothershed Eye Center to get eye care that goes beyond the chart.
Annual Eye Exam FAQs
What’s the difference between vision screenings and comprehensive eye exams?
A vision screening is a quick check that may miss serious conditions. A comprehensive eye exam includes tests for visual acuity, peripheral vision, eye pressure, and more, giving a complete picture of your eye health.
How often should you have your eyes checked if you have diabetes?
At least once a year. Diabetes increases your risk for vision loss, so yearly dilated exams are strongly recommended.
Do you need annual eye exams after cataract surgery?
Yes. Even after successful cataract surgery, it’s important to monitor overall eye health and check for any changes in your vision.
