Eye exams are a great way to stay ahead of potential vision problems. Folks are often surprised to learn, however, how many other potential problems an eye doctor can help them with. These four other issues are also worth talking with an eye doctor about.

Cataracts

The progression of cataracts often takes a long time. Eye exams, though, can give patients a better idea of when they may eventually need to get surgery. Your eye doctor can also prescribe UV-protective lenses that may help to slow the progression.

That Pupil Dilation Test

Many people are aware that a pupil dilation test can help a doctor spot diabetes-related visual problems in the early stages. What they might not know is that the test can also allow an eye doctor to identify evidence of thyroid issues, heart problems, hypertension, and glaucoma. Major vision problems that need to be addressed as quickly as possible, such as a detached retina, can be spotted, too. It's also possible to identify tumors and aneurysms based on droopy eyelids and irregularities in the shape of the pupils.

Progressive Disorders

A lot of eye disorders can get progressively worse. In particular, age-related macular degeneration and astigmatism can worsen with time. Someone who has a lazy eye can also get a sense of how much worse the situation will become with time. By using eye exams early on, we can try to contain the worst effects of these problems.

In some cases, corrective surgery may also be an option. For example, a cornea that's injured or defective may need to be identified and fixed. While an eye doctor doesn't always handle such surgeries, they can provide a referral to a specialist.

Developmental Issues

Children between the ages of three and five years should go to an eye doctor for an initial check regardless of indications of problems or family history. If a child below the age of three shows signs of a concerning issue, such as a lazy eye, then go ahead and set up an earlier appointment. If there are no vision problems, you can then schedule a new visit once every two years.

Folks in their 20s and 30s who don't have vision problems should schedule checkups every 5 to 10 years. From 40 to 54, that should increase to every two to four years and once every two years after that.

Learn more from a clinic such as Cripe Stephens & Stickel.