No one would go years without putting oil in their car, or checking their house for leaky plumbing, yet when it comes to our health we often ignore preventative maintenance. On a list of essential healthcare professionals, optometrists are almost always down near the bottom. This is unfortunate, as your eye doctor is your first line of defense against declining eyesight later in life. If you can’t remember the last time you had your eyes checked, here are some things you should know.

Everyone Needs An Optometrist

Most people only think about going to the eye doctor when they notice a problem with their vision, but few realize that the key to avoiding vision problems is regular check-ups. Even if you were told 15 years ago that you have 20/20 vision, you still need annual eye exams to catch general health conditions, like diabetes, before they cause significant damage.

Sunglasses Are NOT Optional

It’s easy to remember sunglasses when you’re hanging out at the beach all day, but did you know sunglasses should be worn almost every time you leave the house? The UVA and UVB protection provided by high-quality sunglasses or transition lenses can prevent cataract growth and protect against macular degeneration. These threats don’t disappear just because the weather is cold!

Smoking Is Detrimental To Your Eyesight

There are thousands of reasons to stop smoking, but not everyone realizes that vision impairment is one of them. Smoking cigarettes drastically increases your risk for eye conditions like cataracts and age-related macular degeneration later in life.

If it’s been more than two years since your last eye exam, don’t delay. The optometrists at Vision Care Centre are ready to help you prevent declining eyesight. Contact us today!