If you are an individual with little to no vision insurance, it can be difficult to justify the out-of-pocket cost of a yearly optometrist visit. For certain people, skipping a year or two of appointments may be fine, but for those with certain risk factors, visiting an optometrist at least once per year is a necessity.

While there are many reasons to visit an optometrist regularly, the three listed below are the most common.

Age

While there are certainly a number of young people who require yearly optometrist appointments, those individuals who require more frequent check-ups are usually in the 40 and above range. As people age, their eyesight begins to deteriorate for purely natural reasons. They require more light or larger print or even assistive devices, such as lenses. The risks for deterioration in eye health can also increase with certain medical problems, which many individuals begin to develop in their later years.

You may become accustomed to the squinting or needing to hold a book inches from your face, but your eyes will soon tire and could even become worse. Regular visits with your optometrist can catch and correct any developing eye problems so as not to further harm your vision.

Personal History of Eye Issues

If you have a history of eye issues, such as requiring the use of corrective lenses or previous surgeries to correct vision problems, you will want to make it a priority to visit your optometrist on a regular basis. Many with corrective lenses require adjustments to their prescription every few years, and new problems that you may not have noticed can also be caught more easily. Even if you feel that there has been no change in vision, it is easy to become accustomed to small changes which can lead to permanent damage over time.

Family History of Eye Issues

Unfortunately, a lot of health issues are genetic. If there is a family history of any kind, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, it is imperative that you visit an optometrist on the regular. While some diseases of the eye are progressive, new technologies are being discovered every day that can significantly slow the process.

If diabetes or high blood pressure are common family maladies, it is important to stay on top of any changes in vision. Blurriness, funnel vision, and even temporary blindness can all be indications of a blood sugar or pressure spike.

It is easy to become used to slight vision changes, making us think our vision is fine, but the permanent damage uncorrected vision issues can cause is just not worth the risk. Certain risk factors can make a yearly visit with an optometrist at a clinic like http://watsonvision.com/ a must. Aging, personal history of eye issues, and family history of eye issues are just three common factors to keep in mind before you decide to cancel your appointment.