How long has it been since your last comprehensive eye exam? If it’s been more than a year or two, it’s time to give us a call and schedule your next appointment—even if you aren’t experiencing any problems with your eyesight.

Why does everyone need routine eye exams even when the eyes seem unchanged? During an eye exam, Dr. Matzkin and Dr. Herron can detect little problems before they turn into big ones. Poor vision is often one of the last indications of eye disease. By the time you notice certain issues, you may already have a serious eye condition. And sadly, once vision is lost, you may not be able to get it back.

Want to learn more about attaining—and maintaining—optimal eye health? Take our quick quiz below and see how much you know about comprehensive eye exams and keeping your vision strong!

1. What diseases can our Chattanooga eye doctors detect during a comprehensive eye exam?
   1. Cancer
   2. Macular degeneration
   3. Cardiovascular disease
   4. All of the above
2. Fluctuating between clear and blurry vision can be a sign of which disease?
   1. High blood pressure
   2. Diabetes
   3. Both diseases
   4. Neither disease
3. Which of these is NOT a sign that you may need a new eyeglass or contact lens prescription?
   1. Headache
   2. Itchy eyes
   3. Double vision
   4. Squinting
4. Which of these super-foods provide vision-protecting levels of beta carotene (vitamin A)?
   1. Carrots and tomatoes
   2. Oranges and blueberries
   3. Almonds and dark chocolate
   4. Eggs and salmon
5. About how long does it take to have a comprehensive eye exam?
   1. 30 minutes
   2. One hour
   3. 10 minutes
   4. Two hours
6. What’s the best thing you can do each day to protect your eye health?
   1. Wear sunglasses
   2. Do eye exercises
   3. Use eye drops
   4. Eat more carrots
7. The National Eye Institute estimates that over 24 million Americans over the age of 40 have this condition in at least one eye:
   1. Retinopathy
   2. Macular degeneration
   3. Cataracts
   4. Glaucoma
8. Which factors can contribute to the development of dry eyes?
   1. Autoimmune diseases
   2. Menopause
   3. Antihistamines
   4. All of the above
9. True or false: Common age-related vision changes include colors appearing duller than usual, and requiring more light to see.
   
   
10. True or false: A vision screening is an adequate substitute for a comprehensive eye exam.

Answers:

1. (d) Our eye experts can detect tiny changes in the eye that may indicate a bigger problem.
2. (c) Fluctuating clarity of vision can be a sign of diabetes, high blood pressure, or both.
3. (b) While any of these symptoms warrant an eye exam, itchy eyes are more indicative of infection or allergies than the need for stronger corrective lenses.
4. (a) All of these super-foods provide nutrients vital for maintaining good vision, but carrots and tomatoes provide the highest dose of vitamin A.
5. (b) Allow about an hour for your next comprehensive eye exam (a bit longer if you know you’ll need to be fitted for new glasses or contacts).
6. (a) Wearing sunglasses daily—even on cloudy days—protects your eyes from the UV rays that contribute to cataracts and macular degeneration.
7. (c) Cataracts are the most common age-related eye disease in the United States.
8. (d) All of these factors can cause your eyes to produce fewer tears, resulting in red, gritty, burning or stinging eyes.
9. (True) As you grow older, colors can seem more dull or yellow, and you may need an extra lamp to read or work.
10. (False) Vision screenings, such as those offered by school nurses or as part of a physical, only check for nearsightedness or farsightedness. They’re no substitute for a comprehensive exam by an ophthalmologist.

Now that you’ve tallied your score, are you ready to schedule your next eye exam? Call or text us today at (423) 855-8522 to make an appointment. Please read our COVID-19 protocol to learn how our professional and friendly staff is committed to keeping you safe!