Why Annual Eye Exams Are a Must for Keys Residents
Author: Dr. Harry Landsaw, Optometrist
Practice: Landsaw Eyecare, Tavernier, FL
Credentials: Doctor of Optometry, 23+ years serving the Florida Keys community
Last Updated: September 2025
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harry Landsaw: September 29, 2025
TL;DR: One Hour. Lifelong Vision.
Living in the Keys means living fully — driving U.S. 1 safely, spotting fish in shallow water, and reading on the porch at sunset. But none of that is possible without healthy vision. Annual eye exams aren’t a luxury or a formality. They are the single most effective tool for protecting your ability to live freely, age independently, and stay connected to what you love.
Table of Contents
TL;DR: One Hour. Lifelong Vision.
- Annual Exams Catch Silent Diseases Before They Cause Damage
- Your Risk Is Higher in the Florida Keys Climate
- Exams Change as You Age — Here’s What to Expect
- Pediatric Eye Exams: What Most Parents Miss
- Why Seniors Need More Than “Good Enough” Vision
- Eye Exams vs. Vision Screenings: They’re Not the Same
- What Happens During a Comprehensive Eye Exam?
- Addressing the Most Common Excuses
Key Takeaways
- Annual comprehensive eye exams detect silent diseases before permanent damage occurs
- Florida Keys climate creates unique vision risks requiring specialized monitoring
- Age-specific protocols ensure proper care from childhood through senior years
- Vision screenings miss critical health indicators that comprehensive exams detect
- Early detection through advanced imaging can preserve decades of functional vision
- Preventative care costs significantly less than treating advanced eye disease
Introduction
In the Florida Keys, life is meant to be seen clearly — the turquoise water, the sunsets, the smiles across the dinner table. But too often, vision loss develops silently, leaving lasting damage before symptoms appear.
Annual eye exams deliver measurable returns — one hour protects decades of independence and productivity. After 23 years of caring for local families, we’ve built our practice on relationships that last generations. Your eyes deserve reliable, steady protection long before problems develop. Comprehensive eye exams use systematic, evidence-based protocols with advanced diagnostics to detect issues with precision timing — when intervention is most effective.
At Landsaw Eyecare, we believe your eyesight deserves protection long before problems start. Whether you’re raising kids, building your career, or savoring your golden years, proactive eye health is the foundation for independence, safety, and joy.
1. Annual Exams Catch Silent Diseases Before They Cause Damage
If you could measure glaucoma progression, you’d act. If AMD showed up on a quarterly report, you’d intervene. But here’s the problem: Most serious eye diseases provide zero feedback until damage is permanent. We’ve watched Keys families lose precious moments — grandparents who couldn’t see grandchildren’s faces clearly, fishermen who couldn’t spot the flats anymore.
Annual exams are your early warning system — the strategic intelligence and reliable monitoring you need to catch problems when treatment options are most effective. Clinical data shows that many ocular diseases cause significant structural damage before functional vision loss becomes apparent. Glaucoma, for example, can cause substantial optic nerve damage before visual field defects are noticeable to patients.¹
How We Detect Disease Before It Affects You
Using tools like high-resolution Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) and widefield retinal imaging — both available as optional but strongly recommended screenings during your annual exam — plus non-contact intraocular pressure measurements, we can identify microscopic changes often years before symptoms appear.
These aren’t tests available at big-box optical chains or through vision screenings. They’re medical-grade diagnostics used to track subtle changes in your optic nerve structure, monitor retinal health down to individual layers, catch signs of fluid buildup or leaking blood vessels, and detect macular thinning or early swelling.
When Early Detection Changes Lives
We’ve seen patients with 20/20 vision walk in for routine exams and leave with diagnoses that changed their health trajectory. A Keys fisherman had early glaucoma caught through optional nerve fiber imaging, preserving both his vision and his livelihood. A local retiree who thought she “just needed new glasses” had AMD detected via optional OCT screening, allowing for nutritional intervention and MacuHealth support that slowed progression significantly. A concerned parent brought their teen in for screen fatigue, and our exam discovered early diabetic changes that led to life-saving medical intervention.
These aren’t rare exceptions — they’re real outcomes that happen when we catch problems early. Early detection gives people options, preserves quality of life, and prevents the kind of vision loss that changes everything.
Medical Insight: A study published in JAMA Ophthalmology found that patients diagnosed with glaucoma through routine screening retained functional vision significantly longer than those diagnosed after symptoms appeared.²
2. Your Risk Is Higher in the Florida Keys Climate
The Florida Keys offer sunshine, salt air, and sparkling water — but these same elements create a perfect storm of vision risk factors. Living in a subtropical climate with high UV index readings, reflective water surfaces, and elevated salt aerosol concentrations creates documented ocular health risks.
UV Radiation Is Constant and Cumulative
UV damage accumulates like compound interest — every unprotected day increases your future risk. UV rays reflect off water and sand, nearly doubling your exposure. This raises your risk for cataracts, macular degeneration, and tissue growths like pterygium. According to the World Health Organization, up to 20% of cataract cases globally may be caused by UV radiation exposure — a figure even higher in tropical regions.³
Keys-Specific Conditions We Monitor
Our 23 years of Keys-specific data shows faster onset of cataracts in outdoor workers, higher dry eye symptoms among boaters, and earlier macular changes than national averages. With every exam, we evaluate these risks through the lens of where you live and how you live.
You can’t stop the sun or wind, but you can control how they affect your sight. Annual exams with providers who understand Keys living ensure you protect your vision while enjoying the lifestyle you love.
3. Exams Change as You Age — Here’s What to Expect
What we look for in a 6-year-old differs significantly from what we prioritize in a 66-year-old. That’s why comprehensive eye exams at Landsaw Eyecare are never “one-size-fits-all.” We tailor them based on your age, lifestyle, and risk factors.
Ages 0–18: Vision Development & Early Detection
Early detection of vision problems dramatically improves learning outcomes and prevents permanent vision loss. Pediatricians often screen for vision, but screenings are not comprehensive exams. Only a licensed optometrist can detect subtle developmental issues or prescribe evidence-based myopia control treatments.
According to the American Optometric Association, 1 in 4 school-age children has an undiagnosed vision problem that affects learning.⁶ Some children diagnosed with attention disorders may actually have untreated accommodative disorders that mimic symptoms of inattention.
Ages 18–40: Vision Stability & Digital Strain
Your busy lifestyle demands vision that keeps up. We address digital strain, contact lens needs, and lifestyle factors while monitoring for early signs of conditions that could affect your long-term vision stability.
Ages 40–60: The Transition Years
Vision often shifts dramatically in this age range. Many patients say, “I just thought I was tired” — when in fact, their eyes are adapting to complex shifts in focus, contrast sensitivity, and lighting needs. Annual exams help us adjust your care before frustration sets in.
Ages 60+: Independence, Safety, & Disease Prevention
Vision directly impacts mobility, driving safety, and cognitive well-being. Studies show even mild vision impairment in seniors can double fall risk and increase social withdrawal.⁴ Regular exams aren’t just about eyesight — they’re about preserving quality of life and independence.
4. Pediatric Eye Exams: What Most Parents Miss
Most parents wouldn’t dream of skipping dental checkups — but many children go years without comprehensive eye exams. Why? Because kids don’t always know how to say, “I can’t see clearly.”
School vision screenings check distance vision only — missing 75% of vision problems that affect learning. Children often don’t complain because they assume their vision is normal — even when it significantly impacts their daily function.
The Rising Threat of Myopia
Myopia rates have doubled in 30 years, and screen-heavy lifestyles are accelerating this epidemic. Children who spend more time indoors and on devices face much higher risk of developing progressive myopia that increases lifetime risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, early cataracts, and myopic macular degeneration.
At Landsaw Eyecare, we treat myopia proactively with evidence-based strategies like myopia control contact lenses, orthokeratology, low-dose atropine therapy, and lifestyle coaching. Our goal: Protect your child’s vision now and reduce long-term risks later.
Signs Your Child May Be Struggling
Watch for eye rubbing or squinting, avoiding near work, head tilting or covering one eye, frequent blinking or watery eyes, and falling behind in school despite effort.
Expert Insight: The International Myopia Institute reports that outdoor activity of at least 90 minutes per day can reduce myopia onset in school-aged children.⁷
5. Why Seniors Need More Than “Good Enough” Vision
If you’re over 60, “good enough” is not good enough. Settling for blurry, dim, or inconsistent vision can directly affect your safety, independence, and quality of life.
Clear Vision Equals Independent Living
Research demonstrates that vision impairment in older adults doubles the risk of falls, increases auto accidents, and contributes to faster cognitive decline and social isolation.⁸ If you’re driving at night and struggling with glare, reading less because print feels blurry, or feeling “off balance” more often — your vision may be changing in ways that are medically important.
How Annual Exams Make a Difference
Regular eye exams evaluate retinal and optic nerve health with advanced imaging (optional OCT and widefield imaging strongly recommended), check intraocular pressure to detect glaucoma early, help manage cataract progression, and identify blood vessel changes linked to hypertension or diabetes.
Here’s something many patients don’t realize: Cognitive load increases with poor vision. If your eyes struggle to process contrast, depth, or motion, your brain works overtime — increasing mental fatigue and memory strain.
Expert Insight: The Age-Related Eye Disease Study shows that specific nutritional supplements can reduce the risk of advanced AMD by up to 25% in high-risk patients.¹⁰ We assess macular pigment levels and offer evidence-based recommendations like MacuHealth DM when appropriate.
6. Eye Exams vs. Vision Screenings: They’re Not the Same
You passed your DMV vision test. Your child read the 20/20 line at school. So your eyes must be fine, right? Not necessarily.
Vision screenings are not comprehensive eye exams. They’re designed to catch only the most obvious problems — and they miss far more than they find. A vision screening typically involves reading letters on a distance chart, possibly a brief color vision check, and quick assessments by non-eye care professionals.
What They Miss
Screenings miss early-stage eye disease (glaucoma, AMD, diabetic retinopathy), eye pressure, retinal health, corneal integrity, binocular function, prescription accuracy, tear film quality, and eye health effects of systemic conditions like diabetes.
Why True Eye Exams Go Deeper
At Landsaw Eyecare, a comprehensive exam includes lifestyle and medical history review, visual acuity testing, refraction, intraocular pressure checks, slit lamp exams, dilated retinal exams or widefield imaging, optional but strongly recommended OCT scans, and education tailored to your life stage.
Think of your eye exam like an annual physical — it’s not about how you feel today. It’s about preventing what could happen tomorrow.
Expert Insight: The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine concluded that vision screenings alone are insufficient for detecting the majority of eye diseases, and that comprehensive exams are the standard of care.¹³
7. What Happens During a Comprehensive Eye Exam?
At Landsaw Eyecare, a comprehensive eye exam should feel like a complete health experience, not just a quick glasses check. Our protocol maximizes diagnostic value while respecting your time.
Your Exam: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Personal and Medical History — Context drives clinical decisions. We learn about your daily activities, symptoms, medications, family history, and systemic health concerns. Systemic health and vision are deeply connected.
Step 2: Vision Testing — We check your “20/20” vision and assess each eye separately, both eyes working together, and how your eyes handle visual tasks at different distances.
Step 3: Refraction — The familiar “which is better, 1 or 2?” test precisely determines your optimal lens prescription. Your prescription impacts eye strain, depth perception, and driving safety.
Step 4: Eye Coordination Tests — We check how your eyes move, track, and focus — especially important for children’s school performance, adults with digital strain, and seniors with balance issues.
Step 5: Intraocular Pressure — This glaucoma screening doesn’t have to involve the “puff of air” anymore. We use modern, comfortable tools to check pressure inside your eyes.
Step 6: Slit Lamp Exam — We examine the front of your eye to catch early cataracts, dry eye disease, contact lens complications, and corneal issues. This step is especially critical in our Florida Keys climate.
Step 7: Retinal Imaging and Dilated Exam — This is where true preventative care lives. Using high-resolution OCT imaging (optional but strongly recommended), widefield retinal photography (optional but strongly recommended), and dilated exam techniques, we assess your optic nerve, macula, retina, and blood vessels. Think of it as a photo plus ultrasound for your eyes.
Step 8: Personalized Discussion — We explain your results in plain language, show you your retinal images, discuss recommendations, answer every question, and offer education — not sales.
One hour, complete assessment, actionable results. Comprehensive annual examinations represent the clinical gold standard for vision preservation.
8. Addressing the Most Common Excuses
As doctors who’ve cared for this community for over 23 years, we’ve heard every reason not to come in. Here are the facts:
“I don’t have any symptoms, so I must be fine.”
This is the most dangerous assumption. Glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy can exist for years without symptoms. Numerous sight-threatening conditions cause irreversible damage during asymptomatic phases.
“I’m too busy.”
An annual exam takes about an hour — less time than your average fishing trip. That’s minimal time investment with maximum long-term benefit.
“I’m worried it’ll cost too much.”
Most vision plans cover one full exam per year. We offer transparent, upfront pricing. Preventive care is always less expensive than treating advanced disease.
“I already had an exam a few years ago.”
If it’s been more than 12 months, that exam is outdated. Vision can change, eye diseases can develop, and technology evolves.
“I don’t want to be sold glasses.”
Neither do we. We’ve built our practice around education and empowerment — not sales. Our recommendations are based on objective findings and your visual needs.
Expert Insight: The American Public Health Association reports that nearly half of preventable vision loss results from missed routine exams.¹⁵
Fun Fact
Your Eyes Are Always On
Even when you’re sleeping, your eyes are busy — they move in rapid bursts during REM sleep, lubricate themselves, and help consolidate memories. In fact, the human eye is the second most complex organ after the brain, processing vast amounts of visual information per second.
Here’s another fascinating detail: Your eyes can distinguish approximately 10 million different colors, and they rely on over one million nerve fibers in each optic nerve to transmit what you see to your brain.¹⁶
Small organs, massive performance — and they never take a true break.
FAQ
How often should I get a comprehensive eye exam?
Most adults should schedule an exam once per year, even if they don’t wear glasses or have vision complaints. Children should have their first exam by age 3, then every 1–2 years depending on vision needs. Seniors, diabetics, or those with family history of eye disease may need more frequent care.
Is an eye exam just for checking my prescription?
No — a true comprehensive exam checks for eye disease, systemic health issues, and early risk factors that may not affect your vision yet. Your prescription is just one small part of the full evaluation.
What if I have 20/20 vision? Do I still need an exam?
Yes. Many serious conditions — like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy — begin without affecting visual acuity. Even with perfect clarity, you could be at risk.
Are eye exams covered by insurance?
Most vision insurance plans cover one comprehensive exam per year, along with an allowance for eyewear. At Landsaw Eyecare, we help you understand your benefits clearly and offer transparent pricing with no surprises if you’re uninsured.
Do you use the “air puff” test for eye pressure?
Not anymore. We use modern, more comfortable techniques to measure intraocular pressure — so no surprises, no flinching, and no discomfort.
What are OCT and retinal imaging, and do I need them?
OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) and widefield retinal imaging are advanced diagnostic tools that provide detailed views of your eye’s internal structures. While they’re optional screenings during your annual exam, we strongly recommend them because they can detect diseases years before symptoms appear — giving you the best chance for early intervention and vision preservation.
Conclusion
In the Florida Keys, life isn’t meant to be blurry. Whether you’re spotting tarpon in the flats, navigating the Overseas Highway at night, or reading to your grandkids under the palms — clear, healthy vision is part of your freedom.
Annual eye exams represent evidence-based preventative medicine. They detect silent threats before permanent damage occurs. They protect the independence and quality of life you’ve worked hard to build.
At Landsaw Eyecare, we’re your lifelong partners in clarity, comfort, and confidence. Because protecting your vision isn’t about age. It’s about empowerment.
Schedule your annual exam. Ask the questions. Know what’s happening behind your eyes. And take that one small, powerful step to preserve the life you love living — clearly.
Call to Action
Your vision deserves more than wait-and-see care.
Schedule your annual eye exam today and take the first step toward lifelong clarity, safety, and confidence — without leaving the Keys.
- No long drives to Miami
- No confusing insurance lingo
- Just proactive, personalized care — rooted in trust
Let’s protect your freedom to see what matters most. Start today.
About the Author
Dr. Harry Landsaw, Optometrist
Co-founder of Landsaw Eyecare in Tavernier, FL, Dr. Landsaw has served the Florida Keys community for over 23 years. He earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from the Southern College of Optometry and is known for blending advanced diagnostic technology with relational, preventative care.
Dr. Harry Landsaw and his wife, Dr. Jannah Landsaw, are committed to making world-class eye care accessible to Keys residents — without sacrificing warmth, trust, or local connection.
Their shared mission: To protect vision and independence through early detection, personalized care, and education that empowers every patient.
Last medically reviewed by Dr. Harry Landsaw on September 29, 2025
References
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- Quigley, H.A., et al. (2006). “The Number of People with Glaucoma Worldwide in 2010 and 2020.” British Journal of Ophthalmology, 90(3), 262-267.
- World Health Organization. (2023). “Ultraviolet Radiation and Eye Health.” https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ultraviolet-radiation
- Freeman, E.E., et al. (2007). “Visual Acuity Change and Mortality in Older Adults.” Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science, 46(11), 4040-4045.
- American Optometric Association. (2024). “Comprehensive Adult Eye and Vision Examination.” https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/eye-exams
- American Optometric Association. (2024). “Pediatric Eye and Vision Examination Guidelines.” https://www.aoa.org/healthy-eyes/caring-for-your-eyes/children
- Rose, K.A., et al. (2008). “Outdoor Activity Reduces the Prevalence of Myopia in Children.” Ophthalmology, 115(8), 1279-1285.
- Freeman, E.E., et al. (2008). “Vision Loss Increases the Risk of Falls: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.” Ophthalmology, 115(12), 2340-2346.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023). “Vision and Eye Health Surveillance.” https://www.cdc.gov/visionhealth/data/index.html
- Age-Related Eye Disease Study Research Group. (2001). “A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Clinical Trial of High-Dose Supplementation with Vitamins C and E, Beta Carotene, and Zinc for Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Vision Loss: AREDS Report No. 8.” Archives of Ophthalmology, 119(10), 1417-1436.
- Zheng, D.D., et al. (2012). “Association Between Visual Impairment and Psychological Distress.” British Journal of Ophthalmology, 96(7), 950-955.
- Burton, M.J., et al. (2021). “The Lancet Global Health Commission on Global Eye Health: Vision Beyond 2020.” The Lancet Global Health, 9(4), e489-e551.
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2016). Making Eye Health a Population Health Imperative: Vision for Tomorrow. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.
- American Academy of Ophthalmology. (2024). “Comprehensive Adult Medical Eye Evaluation.” https://www.aao.org/preferred-practice-pattern
- Prevent Blindness America. (2023). “Vision Problems in the U.S.: Prevalence of Adult Vision Impairment and Age-Related Eye Disease in America.” https://preventblindness.org
- Neitz, J., & Neitz, M. (2011). “The Genetics of Normal and Defective Color Vision.” Vision Research, 51(7), 633-651.