Common reasons why people do not go to get their eyes checked are:
- **Lack of awareness or understanding of the benefits of preventive eye care.** Some people may think that they only need to see an eye doctor if they have vision problems or symptoms of eye diseases. They may not realize that regular eye exams can help detect other health issues, such as high cholesterol, diabetes, thyroid problems, and even some cancers . Eye exams can also help prevent vision loss from conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
- **Fear or anxiety of the eye exam process or the results.** Some people may have specific phobias of needles, eye drops, bright lights, or medical equipment. Others may be afraid of finding out that they have a serious eye condition or need glasses or contacts. They may avoid going to the eye doctor because they do not want to deal with the emotional or financial consequences of bad news .
- **Lack of access or resources to get quality eye care.** Some people may face barriers such as cost, insurance coverage, transportation, language, or cultural differences that make it hard for them to get an eye exam. They may not have a regular eye doctor or know where to find one. They may also have competing priorities or responsibilities that prevent them from taking time off work or school to see an eye doctor .
- **Personal habits or preferences that affect their eye health.** Some people may have lifestyle factors that increase their risk of eye problems, such as smoking, drinking, poor diet, lack of sleep, or excessive screen time. They may not be aware of how these habits affect their eyes or how to protect them. They may also have preferences that make them reluctant to wear glasses or contacts, such as vanity, comfort, convenience, or style .
Here are some pictures that illustrate these pain points:
I hope these pictures help you understand the pain points better. Remember that your eyes are important for your overall health and well-being 😊