21% say eye exam diagnosed a non-eye related health issue

By Gontarek Eye Care – 4/7/2020

Gontarek Eye Care has joined forces with the American Optometric Association (AOA) to highlight the critical importance of eye care in overall health.

According to AOA’s new Eye-Q survey, only half of Americans are getting annual eye exams.

“Good vision is essential to quality of life and a comprehensive eye exam is an important, preventive way to preserve vision and maintain overall health,” says Dr. Lisa Gontarek. “Our eye doctors in Chesapeake are thrilled to join with the AOA to spread awareness and encourage Hampton Roads citizens to schedule their in-person 2020 Eye Exam as soon as possible.”

Because eye health and vision problems may develop without any obvious signs or symptoms, in-person, annual comprehensive eye exams are important to detect early signs of visual system diseases such as glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness. In addition, eye exams safeguard overall health by enabling eye doctors to detect more than 270 serious health conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases, and cancers.

For instance, according to the AOA’s survey, 21 percent of participants said their comprehensive eye exam diagnosed a non-eye related health issue such as STIs, high cholesterol, and diabetes. The survey also showed that only 52 percent of people had a comprehensive eye exam in the past two years.

Your eye sight is precious and there are many eye conditions that have no symptoms in the early stages. If it has been over a year since your last eye exam, please call our office to schedule your 2020 appointment!

To schedule an eye appointment, please contact us at (757) 966-2206 or click here.