Ocular health assessment involves the examination and assessment of all the structures in and around the eyes to determine overall health and diagnose eye diseases. Eye care professionals, such as optometrists and ophthalmologists, perform comprehensive eye exams to evaluate ocular health by examining the cornea, iris, lens, retina, and optic nerve, among other structures.
During an eye exam, the eye care professional may also evaluate visual acuity, eye movements, eye coordination, and eye pressure, among other things, to assess ocular health. They may also use specialized equipment such as a slit lamp or ophthalmoscope to get a closer look at the eye's structures and detect any abnormalities or signs of eye disease.
Regular ocular health checks are important to detect eye diseases and conditions early, before symptoms appear. Ocular health should be checked regularly to screen for potential eye diseases such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), cataracts, diabetes-related eye problems, infections, allergies, and many other conditions. Some eye diseases, such as glaucoma, can cause permanent vision loss if left untreated. Routine eye exams can also identify other health issues that may affect the eyes or overall health, such as high blood pressure or diabetes.
Regular eye exams are essential in maintaining ocular health, as they can detect eye problems early and provide appropriate treatment to prevent vision loss and other complications. It is recommended that adults receive a comprehensive eye exam at least once every two years, or more frequently if they have certain risk factors or eye conditions.