Many people believe that if they see clearly, their eyes must be healthy. Unfortunately, that’s not always true. Some of the most serious eye diseases (like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration) can develop slowly and without obvious symptoms in the early stages.

At Integra Eyecare Centre in East Vancouver and South Burnaby, our doctors emphasize the importance of annual comprehensive eye exams. These exams allow us to detect changes early, protect your vision, and keep your eyes healthy for years to come.

Glaucoma: The Silent Thief of Sight

Glaucoma is often called the “silent thief of sight” because it can cause permanent vision loss before you notice any problems. It damages the optic nerve, usually due to high eye pressure. Without regular exams, glaucoma can go undetected until vision loss is advanced and irreversible.

Annual eye exams help by:

Measuring eye pressure
Examining the optic nerve, the thickness of the cornea and the angle of the aqueous humour outflow
Detecting early changes before symptoms appear

Cataracts: Clouding of the Eye’s Natural Lens

Cataracts occur when the eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, making vision blurry, dull, or glare-sensitive. While cataracts are most common with age, they can also be linked to diabetes, UV exposure, or eye injuries.

During an eye exam, we can detect cataracts early, monitor their progression, and discuss the right time for treatment. Cataract surgery is safe and effective, but early monitoring ensures the best timing for your vision needs.

Macular Degeneration: Central Vision Loss

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the central part of your retina, making it difficult to read, recognize faces, or drive. AMD is one of the leading causes of vision loss in adults over 50.

Regular eye exams allow us to:

Detect early signs of AMD before vision is significantly affected
Recommend lifestyle changes and supplements that may slow progression
Offer advanced treatment options for certain forms of AMD

Why Annual Eye Exams Are So Important

Even if your vision feels fine, an eye exam is more than just a prescription check, it’s a health check for your eyes. Comprehensive exams can uncover:

Early signs of ocular diseases
Changes in blood vessels linked to diabetes or high blood pressure
Other systemic health concerns such as Sjogren’s Syndrome, Thyroid Dysfunction and even cancer

By catching problems early, we can often preserve vision and prevent future complications.