· Domiano Eye Care
Why Annual Eye Exams Should Be a Non-Negotiable Habit
A yearly eye exam lets your optometrist monitor subtle changes in your vision, eye structure, and overall eye health. These checkups detect issues like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and retinal tears — and even signs of high blood pressure or diabetes — sometimes before a primary care doctor would catch them.
At Domiano Eye Care, we emphasize regular exams for patients of all ages because we've seen firsthand how early detection protects vision for life. Whether you're a student, a busy adult, or a senior managing chronic conditions, your eyes need attention year after year.
How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?
The general recommendation is simple: schedule an eye exam once a year, even if you have no symptoms, because many eye diseases progress slowly and silently. Some people need more frequent visits depending on age, lifestyle, and medical history:
- If you have symptoms: Blurry or double vision, new floaters or flashes of light, eye pain or redness, or difficulty seeing at night can signal anything from a simple refractive change to a serious retinal or optic nerve issue. Don't wait for your annual visit.
- If you have certain health conditions: Diabetes raises the risk of diabetic retinopathy, hypertension can change the retinal blood vessels, and autoimmune diseases can cause inflammation that affects the eyes. People managing these conditions may need to be seen every 6–12 months.
- If you're in a higher-risk age group: Children should have annual exams to support learning and development, and older adults face increased risk of cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.
What Skipping Eye Exams Can Cost You
Glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration are known for quiet progression — they often begin without pain, irritation, or noticeable vision changes. Missing annual exams means missing the chance to catch them early, when treatment is most effective. In some cases, early detection can prevent vision loss entirely or slow it significantly.
Regular visits also keep your glasses or contact lens prescription accurate, which reduces eye strain, headaches, and fatigue.
What to Expect During a Comprehensive Eye Exam
Whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth, knowing what's involved can help you feel prepared. Pre-exam testing typically includes retinal imaging (high-resolution images of the retina and optic nerve), visual field testing to check for blind spots or peripheral vision loss, and a prescription assessment to determine your current refractive error.
You'll then meet with the optometrist, who reviews your medical and ocular history, discusses any symptoms, and performs a detailed examination with specialized instruments. Additional tests such as dilation or intraocular pressure checks may be included. Afterward, if your prescription has changed or you need corrective lenses, our optician will guide you through frames and lenses suited to your vision and lifestyle.
Routine Eye Exams in Old Forge & Clarks Summit, PA
Consistent eye care builds a foundation for lifelong vision health. Whether you're due for your annual exam or it has been a few years, we're here to guide you through every step with clarity and clinical care. We proudly serve patients from Old Forge, Clarks Summit, and the greater Scranton area with comprehensive exams for every age and stage of life — contact us to schedule your appointment.
Frequently asked questions
- How often should I get an eye exam if I have no symptoms?
- Once a year. Many eye diseases progress silently, and an annual comprehensive exam is often the only way to catch them early.
- Who needs eye exams more often than once a year?
- People with diabetes, hypertension, or autoimmune disease may be seen every 6–12 months, and anyone with new floaters, flashes, eye pain, or double vision should be seen promptly.
- What happens during a comprehensive eye exam?
- Retinal imaging, visual field testing, and a prescription check, followed by a detailed examination with the optometrist that may include dilation or eye pressure measurement.
Ready when you are
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Request an appointment online, or call the office closest to you — we're happy to help with insurance questions before your visit.