Our eyes work incredibly hard all day, every day. From reading and driving to focusing on our phones, screens and televisions, it can be all too easy to neglect our eyes. Regular and thorough eye examinations can detect problems early, prevent vision loss and safeguard our precious eyesight.
Why Regular Eye Tests are Essential
1. Early Detection of Eye Diseases
Many serious eye conditions – such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy develop slowly and without early symptoms. Regular eye exams can detect these diseases in their early stages when treatment will be most effective. Early detection can prevent significant vision loss and, in some cases, can even save your sight.
2. Correcting Vision Problems
Eye exams are essential for diagnosing and correcting defects in focusing such shortsightedness (myopia), longsightedness (hyperopia) and astigmatism. Regular check-ups will ensure your prescription is optimised providing you with clear vision and reducing eyestrain.
3. Monitoring Overall Health
Your eyes can reveal a lot about your overall health. Optometrists and ophthalmologists can detect signs of systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol by examining the blood vessels and nerves at the back of your eyes.
4. Children's Eye Health
Regular eye tests are crucial for children as vision problems can affect their learning and development. Early detection and treatment of vision issues like a “lazy eye” (amblyopia) or “squints” (strabismus) can prevent long-term vision problems and support academic success.
How often should you get an eye test?
Factors such as your age, family history, current vision correction and symptoms will determine how often you should have your eyes tested. However, the following guidelines are useful based on age groups:
Children (6 months to 18 years)A first exam at 6 months, another at 3 years before starting school, and then annually.
Adults (19 to 40 years)Every two years if you have no vision problems, or annually if you wear glasses or contact lenses.
Adults (41 to 60 years)Every two years as age-related vision changes and diseases become more common.
Seniors (61 years and older)Annually, as the risk for eye diseases increases with age.#
What happens during an eye examination?
A comprehensive eye exam looks at different aspects of your vision and eye health using several tests.
1. Medical history
Your optometrist will begin by discussing your medical history, including any vision problems, general health issues, medications, and family history of eye diseases.
2. Visual acuity test
This test measures how well you can see at various distances using an eye chart. It helps determine if you need glasses or contact lenses.
3. Refraction test
Using an automated phoropter or trial frame, your optometrist will determine your exact prescription by placing different lenses in front of your eyes to give you the best vision clarity.
4. Eye muscle test
This test assesses the muscles that control eye movement, alignment and coordination.
5. Visual field test
This test measures your peripheral (side) vision to detect problems with your central and peripheral vision which can indicate conditions like glaucoma or brain abnormalities.
6. Eye pressure test
Also known as tonometry, this test measures the pressure inside your eyes to screen for glaucoma.
7. Dilated eye exam
Your optometrist will use eye drops to dilate your pupils, allowing a better view of the retina and optic nerve. This exam helps detect retinal diseases, optic nerve damage, and other serious conditions.
Your key eye test takeaways …
Regular eye tests are an essential part of maintaining healthy eyesight and overall health. They provide a critical opportunity to detect and address eye diseases early, ensure optimal vision correction, and monitor for signs of systemic health issues. Contact our team to discuss the most appropriate way to maintain your eye health and vision.