Has it been a while since you saw the eye doctor? Maybe you never needed glasses in the past, so you simply gave up on your regular eye exams. Or maybe you do wear glasses, but you've just been ordering them online or making do with an old pair. Whatever the circumstances, it's a good idea to head back to the eye doctor after you've been away for a few years. Here's why heading back to the eye doctor is such a good idea.

Your vision may have declined without you realizing it.

People often assume that if their vision had declined, they would know it. But actually, when your vision slowly worsens over time, it can be really hard to tell. By the time you notice that you can't read street signs or see the TV, your vision has declined quite a bit. By seeing the eye doctor, you can ensure any vision loss is detected early so your glasses or contacts prescription can be adjusted, allowing you to see clearly.

You may have an underlying condition like glaucoma or macular degeneration.

Eye conditions like glaucoma and macular degeneration do not always cause noticeable symptoms right away. By the time these conditions do impact your vision, it's too late for you to get any lost vision back. An eye doctor can spot signs of these diseases earlier and start you on a treatment plan to prevent vision loss in the first place.

Your eye doctor should have a good baseline for future comparison.

By visiting the eye doctor, you allow them to get baseline measurements of your visual acuity, intraocular pressure, and other metrics. This way, if you do have an eye health problem in the future, your eye doctor will have something to compare your test results to, which makes it easier for them to make an accurate diagnosis.

Eye exams can reveal other underlying health conditions. 

Your eyes can display symptoms of other underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and even hepatitis. Your regular doctor may overlook these signs since they do not specialize in eye health, but an eye doctor may pick up on them. Therefore, heading back to the eye doctor after a long break is a smart choice for your overall health.

It's never too late to see the eye doctor. If it has been a few years since your last visit, make an appointment for your eye exam soon. Contact a clinic, such as Sabates Eye Centers, for more information,