(NC) As we get older, we tend to assume that certain things like aches and strains after strenuous activity are inevitable. But, just as stretching before and after a workout or other physical activity can help avoid that pain, there are steps you can take to help protect your eyes. The most important step, if you’re 65 or older, is to have an annual eye exam. Take it from Canadian astronaut Col. Chris Hadfield, who recently spoke about the importance of eye exams for seniors: “As you get older, everything in your body ages,” he says. “It’s like your car. If you wait until the oil is so bad that it’s starting to affect your car’s performance, then you’ve already done damage.”

Here are three reasons why you should get your eyes checked:

You could be covered
According to a recent survey, only 41 per cent of Canadian seniors are up-to-date with their annual eye exams. Price is often cited as a reason for not getting one, but many provincial healthcare plans cover the cost of an annual eye exam for eligible seniors 65 and older.

Early diagnosis is essential
According to the Canadian Council of the Blind, 75 per cent of vision loss is preventable and treatable if detected early. As the risk of developing major eye conditions like glaucoma or cataracts increases with age, a routine eye exam can help spot concerns at the earliest stage possible.

Rather than needlessly suffering with blurry vision, you may be given a new or updated prescription for glasses. In other cases, treatment might involve lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthier diet and getting regular exercise, eye drops, medication or surgery.

Eye exams can detect more than vision problems
In addition to preventative care for your vision, and eye exam can also detect other issues affecting your general health. During an eye exam, your optometrist will look for indicators of everything from skin cancer and high blood pressure to diabetes and brain tumours.

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a scan of the back of the eye that helps optometrists detect and monitor a range of sight-threatening conditions like diabetes, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration. Optometrists operating in the independent clinics at Specsavers include this test as part of every standard eye exam at no additional cost to the patient.

Learn more about the importance of regular eye exams at specsavers.ca.

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