Eye exams are a routine series of tests carried out by your optician to determine the condition of your eyesight. The tests involve the ability to focus on objects and assess your general vision through a series of tasks and examinations.
It is strongly recommended that most people get their eyes tested every two years, or annually if advised to do so by their optician. Sometimes it can be very difficult to determine whether our eyesight is deteriorating ourselves, even those of us who do not currently need eyeglasses, which is why attending your eye test appointment is so important.
However, many adults don’t attend eye examinations as regularly as this, putting their eyes at risk. Read below to find out some of the most important reasons to get an eye exam:
Why Should You Get An Eye Exam?
Checking your vision regularly can help to improve the quality of your day-to-day life, helping to prevent any eye issues or diseases and prolonging the health of your eyes.
At Reynolds Opticians we believe that regular eye tests are a necessary preventative measure that can protect your sight. We have discussed our five most vital reasons for getting an eye test to share with you here.
#1 Your Eyes Are Ever-Changing [P to H3]
Your eyesight and the general state of your eyes is always changing. Age, wear and tear, medical conditions and more can all contribute to changes in your eyesight, so it’s important to regularly check whether your vision has altered. Lifestyle choices, such as your job if you’re in front of a computer screen for prolonged periods of time, can affect your vision also.
Regular visits to your optician will include eye scans and exams that can be referred back to, helping your optician to catch onto any changes quickly before any damage or deterioration can occur.
#2 Spot Other Optical Medical Issues [P to H3]
Your eyes can hold a good indication of other problems occurring in the body. A routine eye exam could detect a serious illness that you may not have noticed, so it’s important to get checked regularly by your optician.
Attending regular eye tests will allow your optician to notice changes to your vision and the health of your eyes, including the growth of cataracts or glaucoma. Your optician will also be trained to notice macular degeneration as well as other medical issues, such as diabetic retinopathy which indicates diabetes and can help to catch it before a patient is to become ill.
#3 Ensure Your Vision is Legal [P to H3]
Legal driving requirements require drivers to be able to read a number plate from 20 metres (65 feet) away. Many drivers don’t realise that they’re not legally compliant – this could result in prosecution or confiscation of your driving licence if discovered, and loss of job if you work in an industry that requires the operation of vehicles or heavy machinery, with bus or lorry drivers facing the largest backlash if discovered to be driving with poor vision.
Ensuring that your vision is safe whilst operating a vehicle is critical, keeping yourself, passengers and pedestrians safe from any driving-related accidents or incidents.
Many drivers do not notice their vision gradually waning as they get older, so it’s important to regularly check your vision.
#4 Keep Your Eyes Healthy [P to H3]
Many eye conditions or diseases do not always have obvious symptoms. There could be a problem with your eyes that you haven’t noticed yet, so it’s vital that you ensure your eyes are checked regularly to ensure your eyes stay healthy. As well as checking your vision, your optician will be able to determine if your eyes are in a healthy state and recommend treatment if needed. Discover our top tips for keeping your eyes in good health.
Opticians use a variety of important machinery and scanners to ensure your eyes are healthy. This equipment can determine underlying medical conditions, as well as detect any deeper issues.
If you work outside regularly you could be at risk of melanoma, something that an optician can detect and recommend for treatment before the issue progresses. This is the same case with many eye health issues, such as astigmatism or cataracts, helping to prevent further deterioration of your vision or the overall health of your eyes.
#5 Check Glasses And Contacts Are Correct [P to H3]
Just as wearing the wrong shoes can strain or damage your feet, wearing the incorrect glasses and contacts can strain your eyes and further damage your vision.
The wrong prescription can cause irreparable damage to your vision, whilst ill-fitting lenses can irritate your eye. You should also ensure your frames fit well, preventing any headaches or constant frustrations when they don’t.
An annual eye exam gives your optician a chance to check that your prescription is still suitable and that your glasses are fitted correctly – as well as allowing you to ask any questions about contact lens care.
If you spend too long using the wrong level of prescription your eyesight will continue to deteriorate rather than remaining at their current level of visual ability. Incorrect lenses can also cause further issues in the future, from blurring and headaches to a lack of focus and vertigo. Receiving regular eye exams will help to prevent this from occurring.
Book Your Eye Exam Today with Reynolds & Slater Opticians
Get your eyes checked with the help of Reynolds & Slater Opticians in Penzance and Falmouth. Our friendly team of specialists are happy to guide you through what to expect in your eye test and help you book in for your next examination. To book your appointment today, call us on 01736366239 or fill out our contact form.