Why 20/20 Vision Isn't Enough
"But I Can See Fine!" — Why 20/20 Vision Isn't Enough
October is Vision Awareness Month, a time to focus on a part of your health that's easy to take for granted. We often think of "good vision" as simply being able to see the letters on a chart. If you're 20/20, you're all set, right?
Unfortunately, that's a dangerous misconception.
The truth is, some of the most serious, sight-stealing eye diseases can develop for years without causing a single symptom. They don't make your eyes itch, they don't cause pain, and they don't blur your vision—until it's too late.
These are the "silent thieves" of sight, and the only way to catch them is with a comprehensive, dilated eye exam.
Here are the top conditions we screen for, even when you think your vision is perfect:
1. Glaucoma
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What it is: Glaucoma is a disease that damages your eye's optic nerve, the "data cable" that connects your eye to your brain.6 It usually happens when pressure inside the eye (your "eye pressure") slowly rises, choking off the nerve fibers.
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The "Silent" Part: The most common form of glaucoma has zero symptoms in its early stages. It slowly and painlessly steals your peripheral (side) vision first. You won't notice anything is wrong until you've already suffered permanent, irreversible vision loss.
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Who's at Risk: Everyone is at risk, but it's higher for those over 40, individuals with a family history of glaucoma, African Americans, and those with diabetes.
2. Diabetic Retinopathy
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What it is: For anyone with Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, high blood sugar levels can damage the tiny, delicate blood vessels in the retina (the light-sensitive layer at the back of your eye).8 These vessels can leak, swell, or close off completely.
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The "Silent" Part: In the early stages, diabetic retinopathy causes no vision changes. You can have 20/20 vision and still have significant, active damage occurring in the back of your eye. If left untreated, it can progress to cause floating spots, blurriness, and total blindness.
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What to do: Every single person with diabetes needs a comprehensive, dilated eye exam at least once a year. It's the only way to protect your sight.
3. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)
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What it is: AMD is a leading cause of vision loss for people over 50. It attacks the macula, the small central part of your retina responsible for sharp, detailed, "straight-ahead" vision.
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The "Silent" Part: The early "dry" form of AMD often has no symptoms.11 We can detect it during an exam by finding small deposits (called drusen) under your retina. While there's no cure, early detection is key. We can recommend specific vitamins (AREDS 2) and lifestyle changes that are proven to slow its progression and prevent it from turning into the more aggressive "wet" form.
An Exam is More Than Just "Which is Better, 1 or 2?"
When you come to The Eye Place for a comprehensive exam, we're doing far more than checking your prescription for glasses.
The reason we dilate your pupils (or use advanced retinal imaging) is to get a wide, clear view of your optic nerve, your blood vessels, and your macula. We are looking for the earliest, most subtle signs of these diseases.
This October, don't let a "silent" disease make the first move. Your vision is precious, and protecting it requires more than just a simple screening.
Whether you have perfect vision, diabetes, or a family history of eye disease, a comprehensive annual exam is the best defense. Call The Eye Place today at 804-794-3937 or schedule your appointment online