If you have not had an eye exam recently, you may want to consider scheduling an appointment. Most doctors recommend that you have your eyes checked at least once a year. Here are a few reasons why.

Your vision may change over time.

If you already wear glasses or even if you don't, your vision may change with time. People who start out with 20/20 vision may eventually need prescription lenses. In addition, people who are already near-sighted or far-sighted may need a stronger prescription in order to continue to see accurately.

Some visual changes occur naturally as a person grows older. As a result, if you are over the age of 40, you may need reading glasses.

You can develop a serious eye condition without knowing it.

A serious eye condition, such as glaucoma, may not be noticed until it is diagnosed by an eye doctor. During an eye exam, your doctor will likely test the pressure inside your eye to determine whether or not you have developed glaucoma. Additionally, your doctor will assess your eyes for cataracts, macular degeneration and other eye diseases. If an eye condition is found, early treatment can help preserve your vision.

Some systemic diseases can be detected through an eye examination.

Your eyes can indicate other medical conditions that occur in different parts of your body. For instance, an eye doctor may detect signs of high blood pressure, diabetes, or even brain cancer during your exam.

Your vision can jeopardize your ability to do well in school.

If you are an adult in college or a child in school, your vision is important to your ability to learn. Teachers often display learning materials on a screen or board that requires good vision in order for you to clearly discern what is being displayed. When it comes to children, visiting an eye doctor regularly is especially important, because once a child falls behind in school, it can be difficult to catch up.

Changes in eyewear preferences.

If you wear glasses, you may be considering contact lenses. However, your eyes need to be checked before a prescription for contact lenses can be issued. Additionally, the eye exam should be specifically for contact lenses. A contact lens exam differs from an examination for glasses only.

If you have not had an eye exam within the past 12 months or are experiencing vision problems, contact an eye doctor in your local area to schedule an appointment.