We understand that with the busy lives we all lead now in between social and work responsibilities, getting an eye test might not be at the top of your priority list. However, getting regular eye tests can be crucial for more than just your eye health. So how often should you get an eye test?
When should you get an eye test?
Here at Reynolds and Slater Opticians, we know first-hand that our eyes are always on the go, whether it’s tucking into a good book, enjoying a new film in the cinema or sitting at your computer all day at work – there’s no doubt about it, modern-day life can cause a lot of strain on your eyes. Therefore it is important to get your eyesight checked regularly to keep them as healthy as possible.
There are many variables that can affect how often you should get an eye test, with age and underlying health conditions being two of the most important. However, as general guidance, the NHS recommend you should leave no more than two years in between appointments.
This however is only a general rule of thumb, and we cannot stress the importance of visiting the options as soon as you can if you discover any changes in your eyesight. This is to check for any serious illnesses that could be affecting your vision.
Why should I have regular eye tests?
You may be under the impression that getting regular eye tests will inform you if you may need glasses to help your vision, and whilst you are correct, there are many other more pressing reasons why regular eye tests shouldn’t be missed – eye tests can highlight a host of other health issues and are important for preventing eyesight from worsening.
It’s so important for you to attend your eye tests every two years unless your optician tells you otherwise. For more information, read our blog about the vital reasons to schedule regular eye examinations.
What could regular eye tests show?
With the advancement of technology nowadays, eye testing machines can pick up a number of serious problems in your eye examinations including dementia, diabetes, high blood pressure, and tumours, just to name a few.
Some patients may put off going in for an eye test due to the fear of bad news, but there’s often nothing to worry about. However, on the rare occasion that your optician does pick something up, it’s really important to get it checked straight away to minimise any long-lasting effects.
Regular eye examinations are also a great way to track any changes happening to your eye health over a longer period of time. By having regular tests, your opticians are able to build a report on your optical health, which over a few years could expose any deteriorations in your eyesight or overall health.
What should you expect in your eye test?
Our comprehensive eye examinations typically span approximately 40 minutes. If additional specialised tests are recommended, we will inform you of these and provide an estimate of their duration.
At Reynold and Slaters Opticians, we believe in personalised care for each patient. Our opticians follow a standard protocol for every examination, but they also tailor the process to your unique needs. This ensures a thorough examination that proceeds seamlessly, creating a comfortable experience for you.
In addition to evaluating your vision and determining if any corrective measures such as glasses or contact lenses are needed, we conduct a thorough assessment for potential eye conditions. Find out more about what’s involved in an eye test, and the equipment used by our team, here.
Urgent signs you need an eye test before your scheduled appointment
While regular eye tests are crucial, there are certain symptoms that shouldn’t wait for your next scheduled visit. If you experience any of the following signs, it’s imperative to see an optician promptly:
Sudden or severe headaches: persistent, severe headaches can be indicative of underlying vision issues.
Blurry or distorted vision: if your vision suddenly becomes blurry or distorted, it’s a clear sign to seek immediate attention.
Eye pain or discomfort: unexplained eye pain or discomfort should never be ignored.
Sensitivity to light: heightened sensitivity to light could indicate various eye conditions.
Floaters or flashes of light: the sudden appearance of floaters or flashes of light may signify a more serious issue.
Double vision: double vision can be a sign of an eye muscle or nerve problem.
Redness or irritation: persistent redness or irritation may indicate an eye infection or allergy.
Ignoring these symptoms could potentially lead to more severe complications. If you experience any of these signs, it’s crucial to seek an eye test promptly to ensure your eye health is not compromised. Your well-being is our top priority.
Combatting anxiety in your eye test
For many people anxiety can be a reason for putting off an eye test, risking serious eye conditions due to fear. We understand that being nervous about an upcoming appointment can be challenging, which is why we’re here to help you combat eye test anxiety. Find out how to combat eye test anxiety, here.
Want to know more?
We hope you can now see why regular eye tests are so important to your overall optical health, but if you’d like to know more, please do get in touch.
If you think you may need to book an appointment for an eye examination then our lovely team will be more than happy to help. Or, if you’ve just received a prescription, check out our range of eyewear available on our online store.
