Seeing is Believing: Why Comprehensive Eye Exams Save Eyes

My eye exams were typically non-eventful.  My ophthalmologist was quick, efficient, and had a great sense of humor.  However, I still remember the look of concern my normally jovial doctor gave me, halfway through my comprehensive eye exam, more than a decade ago.

He calmly explained that I had lattice degeneration, an eye condition characterized by a thinning retina, which could lead to blindness.  I needed to see a retina specialist as soon as possible, since the lattice was extensive.   

Lattice degeneration is named after the lattice pattern created by tears or holes in the retina (let’s just say that I will never look at a wicker chair in the same way, after this experience!).

In all seriousness, I had absolutely no symptoms at all.  No eye pain or vision loss. I was 29 years old, enjoying work and life in the city, and newly married.  

I went through several rounds of painful laser eye surgery in both eyes, over the course of a year and a half,  to repair my retinal tears. The surgery I had was different than LASIK, and should not be confused with it (I hear LASIK is relatively painless, in contrast). 

I cannot stress how important it is to get a yearly comprehensive eye exam at any age.  Had I not visited my ophthalmologist,  my lattice degeneration might have gotten worse, and led to losing my eyesight. 

My 6 year old son (pictured with me above) recently started wearing eyeglasses, after a visit to the ophthalmologist (his most recent basic vision screening done at school, didn’t detect an issue with his vision).  

It’s critical for everyone - kids included - to have yearly comprehensive eye exams, which, unlike a basic vision screening, detect diseases and conditions, such as glaucoma and lattice degeneration.

Eyes are a gateway to your wellbeing and overall health.  Take care of them! You only have one pair.

- Catherine Kadar, Business Consultant