Most people think of eye exams as just a way to update their glasses or contact lens prescription, but there's much more to it. At Skowron Eye Care, routine eye exams play a crucial role in protecting your overall eye health. These exams help us detect signs of eye diseases early, often before you notice any symptoms. Identifying conditions in their earliest stages can prevent vision loss and help maintain your quality of life.
 

What Is a Medical Eye Exam?

A medical eye exam is a comprehensive evaluation that goes beyond determining your prescription for glasses or contact lenses. It involves a thorough assessment of your eye health and visual system. Using specialized equipment and diagnostic tools, our optometrists examine the internal and external structures of your eyes to identify early signs of disease, monitor chronic conditions, and assess your overall ocular health.
 

Why Routine Eye Exams Are Essential

Many eye diseases develop gradually and without noticeable symptoms in the early stages. By the time you realize something is wrong, irreversible damage may have already occurred. That’s why routine eye exams are crucial, even if you think your vision is fine. These exams provide the opportunity to catch diseases early, monitor for risk factors, and implement treatment plans that can prevent vision loss. At Skowron Eye Care, we commonly detect the following eye conditions during routine visits - often before any symptoms appear.
 

Glaucoma

Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve. It typically develops without warning and can lead to permanent vision loss. During your eye exam, we use tonometry to check intraocular pressure and examine the optic nerve for signs of damage.
 

Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the central part of your vision and is a leading cause of blindness in older adults. Regular exams help us detect the earliest changes in the macula, allowing us to slow progression with lifestyle changes or treatment.
 

Diabetic Retinopathy

This condition affects people with diabetes and damages the blood vessels in the retina. Even if you have no symptoms, we can detect subtle changes in your retinal blood vessels during a dilated eye exam, often before vision is affected.
 

Cataracts

While cataracts typically develop slowly with age, they can be detected in early stages through a slit-lamp exam. Identifying them early allows us to monitor progression and determine the best time for treatment.
 

Dry Eye Disease

Chronic dry eye may start as a minor irritation but can lead to significant discomfort and vision issues. We evaluate tear production and quality to identify dry eye disease and provide relief before symptoms worsen.
 

Prioritize Your Vision at At Skowron Eye Care

If it’s been over a year since your last eye exam, now is the time to schedule one. Many of the most common eye diseases we diagnose can be managed or even prevented with early intervention. We use state-of-the-art technology and decades of experience to protect your vision at every stage of life.
 

Schedule a routine eye exam with Skowron Eye Care and stay ahead of eye disease before it impacts your vision and daily life. Visit our office in Elmhurst, Illinois, or call (630) 834-6244 to book an appointment today.