Even if we don’t give it much thought in our day-to-day routines, we all understand how crucial good vision is to our lives. In fact, it’s one of the key indicators of overall good health.

But if you’ve been putting off your eye exams for whatever reason, you might be in for a surprise. New technology has upped the game on eye exams and vision screenings to make it a more comfortable, pleasant, and efficient experience, says Julie Blake, O.D., an optometrist with Doctor’s Exchange of Alabama located within America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses in Homewood, Alabama.

Here’s an “insider’s tour” of what’s new and improved at the eye doctor’s office.

Eye exams are an essential part of your health care routine. Find an exam time that fits your schedule!

Change #1: Digital Eye Exams With an On-Screen Optometrist

“A virtual eye exam is a great way to improve access for many patients,” says Dr. Blake. That’s why America’s Best recently introduced this appointment option in many locations.

In this setting, you go to a local America’s Best office, where a technician performs the eye exam pre-tests.This involves not only reading the eye chart, but also a screening for color vision deficits, peripheral vision testing, and retinal photos.

These results are sent electronically to a remote optometrist, who then meets with you over a large monitor. You will get a refraction for your eyeglasses or contact lens prescription. You'll also receive screening test results and a review of your retinal photos.

At every step of the way, you can ask your eye doctor questions in real time to make sure you understand your vision changes and eye health.

Wondering if a digital eye exam might miss anything? Dr. Blake says not to worry — it’s simply a new way to take full advantage of advancing technology.

Plus, she adds, “there is a great deal of information I can tell a patient about their eyes and overall health simply by looking at an image of their retina.”

Change #2: Retinal Cameras

That image Dr. Blake was referring to is courtesy of a retinal camera. It’s another piece of new technology that America’s Best is using to benefit patients.

“The retinal camera is really quite amazing,” says Dr. Blake. “It gives an image of the back wall of the eye that can be referenced years later to show how the eye may have changed over time. Nothing beats a good photo!”

A retinal camera can also make an eye exam itself more comfortable. “In my 17 years as an optometrist, I’ve encountered many people who are photophobic, meaning they have an extreme sensitivity to bright lights,” she explains.

“This makes shining a light in the eye for a traditional retinal exam painful. Using the retinal camera with a one-second flash of light versus me shining a light in the eye for minutes makes a huge difference.”

The use of retinal cameras also means fewer patients need a dilated eye exam. That can be a big deal if you’re nervous about the after-effects of dilation.

“Many patients have told me they fear the eye doctor because of the dreaded dilating drops,” she says. “While a retinal photo is no substitute for a dilated eye exam, a photo showing no problems is great peace of mind for the patient. Once they know the exam will be more relaxed, they’re more likely to keep coming every year.”

Change #3: Dilation Is No Longer Part of Every Visit

As Dr. Blake hinted at earlier, yearly dilation isn’t needed for everyone. Instead, your eye doctor will take into account your personal health history and current symptoms to determine whether eye dilation is needed.

“If you’re young, healthy, and have good vision with minimal or no prescription, dilation may not be necessary,” she says.

That said, if you have certain health conditions, no matter your age, your eye doctor may recommend a dilated eye exam. Those health conditions include:

• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• High blood pressure (hypertension)

Change #4: Automated Refractions

The process of measuring your eyes for the eyeglass and contact lens prescription is now automated.

“You no longer need a doctor standing over you flipping lenses manually (the refraction),” says Dr. Blake. “I can now do this process from across the room. Again, this allows for a more relaxed setting.”

Change #5: More Choices!

“I started wearing glasses at 8 years old, and I’m 49 now,” says Dr. Blake. “I can tell you that going to the eye doctor now is way more fun.

“Plus, if you haven’t worn glasses before and you need them now, know that you don’t have to fear Coke bottle glasses with heavy, ugly frames like we had in the past. Now we have thin, lightweight lenses and stylish frames that make wearing glasses easier.”

One Thing That Hasn’t Changed: The Importance of Annual Eye Exams

This is a universal truth, even if you have 20/20 vision.

“As we age, you have to pay more attention to every part of your body, including your eyes,” she says. “Good vision is so important to overall quality of life. If you can’t see clearly, you’re not living well.”

But it’s not only about vision. Dr. Blake points out that eye doctors are also checking the health of your eyes — and your body — and looking for early signs of serious eye conditions.

“You can maintain 20/20 vision (with or without contacts or glasses) before experiencing the consequences of some eye conditions,” she says. “For example, diabetes can wreak havoc on the eyes, yet the patient can still see clearly for a long time.”

Glaucoma, an eye disease that causes high eye pressure and loss of peripheral vision, also often has no warning signs, meaning you can have clear central vision for many years before it’s detected.

“The key to preventing permanent vision loss and permanent damage to the eye is early detection,” says Dr. Blake. “An annual eye exam is critical to diagnosing and treating these conditions before they become severe.”

Ready to see your America’s Best eye doctor? Prepare for an awesome experience by reading “6 Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Eye Exam” here.