Whether you wear glasses or have never experienced any issues with your vision, it’s likely you do not think about the quality of your eyesight on a daily basis. However, most individuals experience some eyesight issues or slight changes over time, even if these changes are gradual enough to be overlooked.
Eyesight testing identifies and helps trace any alterations in your vision. Having regular eye exams are an important part of the early diagnosis of eye conditions, appropriate vision correction, and safety when for when you drive or operate machinery.
But when do you really know that need you? Here we outline some of the main reasons or indicators you may need your eyesight tested with a professional eye doctor and other important factors to consider regarding eye-health.
Why is eye testing so important?
It's so easy to neglect your eyes, this is probably because if we don’t feel any pain, many of us don’t realise there may be an issue. If you neglect your eyes because they often do not hurt, there can still be a problem.
Having an eye test will not just tell you if you require glasses or a change of prescription, it's also just an important health check. An optician can look out for many general health problems and early signs of eye conditions before you're aware of any major symptoms, many of which can be treated if found early enough.
Acknowledge any small changes
Despite the fact that your eyes may intially seem okay and be working perfectly well for you, recognising any change or deterioration on your own terms can be hard. In fact, even the smallest change to your eyes can alter your vision without you even noticing.
On the other hand, you may have noticed your vision has started getting distorted, or your eyes have started feeling heavier and drier throughout the day. Regardless of whether you’re experiencing changes to your vision or not, it’s always best to make sure your eyes are tested regularly by a qualified optician who can make sure your sight is in good working order.
How often should you be getting tested?
So, how often should you get your eyes tested? According to the experts, if you have experienced any issues with your vision you should be getting your eyes tested at least once every two years. Over 70s may require testing more often to monitor eye-health. If you suffer from diabetes, glaucoma, or are over 40 and a close blood relative of someone with glaucoma, your sight test should be carried out annually.
Your vision can constantly change and its important that you have an idea of what symptoms you should be looking out for in regards to your changing eye health.
Issues with night vision
If you are a driver or you use your car at night, can you clearly see other cars on the road and read relevant road signs? For many people, the first sign of a vision changes is increased difficulty when driving at night. If you cannot read signs, or have trouble distinguishing objects like telephone poles at night, you need to seek the assistance of an optometrist.
A diagnosis of a health issues affecting the eyes
Your general health, anything from your nutrition to your sleeping habits, can impact the way your eyes feel and function. If you were recently diagnosed with diabetes, lupus, a thyroid condition, or any other condition that could affect your eyes, you will need to take particular care when it comes to your eyes. Start by discussing your diagnosis with an eye doctor and undergoing an eye test.
Eye infection
Eye exams don't always pick up on changes in vision, they also give your optometrist an opportunity to assess the health of your eyes and eyelids.
While various eye infections eventually stop on their own, a great deal of them are contagious and in some cases come with the risk of permanent damage. If you experience itchiness, redness, or discharge from your eye, see an eye doctor.
Headaches and migraines
Headaches can be a result of muscle tension, stress, and inflammation, but they can also be warning signs that your vision is altering. If you notice an increase in your headache frequency or intensity, visit an eye doctor.
If you suffer from headaches or migraines often, you may see auras, spots, or other vision obstructions before, during or after. Often, these vision obstructions are harmless, but in some cases, these symptoms can indicate a serious underlying condition that’s contributing to the migraines and may be affecting your eye health.
Disrupted vision
Vision disruptions can also occur without an accompanying headache. In addition to auras and black spots, you may notice small ‘floaters’ that seem to move across your eyes or flashes of light.
If these obstructions appear suddenly, seek immediate attention from an eye doctor, this could be a serious indication you require glasses.
Eye fatigue
Eye fatigue or strain can occur for a number of reasons, including spending a lot of time in front of a computer screen at work or reading often. Nevertheless, if your discomfort persists for three days or more, the eye strain may hint at an eye infection or condition. Additionally, if you notice your eyes are in pain due to specific movements, like when you look from left to right, make sure you schedule an eye test.
Impact from light
Sensitivity to light, especially a sensitivity that appears suddenly, can be symptomatic of an eye infection, corneal abrasion, or even a central nervous system disorder such as meningitis. Have this sensitivity assessed by an eye doctor to determine the likely cause. Alternatively, this can serve as another indication you need glasses.
Challenges with focusing
Many eye conditions start as someone struggling to focus on a specific object in your field of vision or blurriness when you focus on a single object. Some individuals experience inconsistent focus problems. For example, you may only have trouble focusing on certain levels of light or the problem may move from one eye to the other. Difficulty focusing can also be linked to specific tasks such as reading small print or looking at an electronic device screen.
Children's eyesight?
You won't find that children often complain about their eyesight, however, they may show signs of being unable to see very well.
Things to look out for include:
- Sitting close to the television
- Holding objects very close to their face
- Blinking a lot
- Eye rubbing
- One eye turning in or outIf you think your child is having any sort of sight problems, take them to an opticians for further investigation.
You might not realise but children don’t even have to be of reading age to have their eyes looked at.
What if I discover I need glasses?
After the examination, you will be given a prescription for glasses if you require them, or a statement which confirms that you don't require them. You can order your glasses from the practice where you had your eyes examined or take it elsewhere to purchase your glasses. But it’s important to remember that it is often more difficult to resolve any problems you may have if you buy your glasses somewhere else.
David Paul Opticians offering offering a variety of services including eye wear and eye tests
Here at David Paul Opticians we aim to offer high quality eye care in Berkhamsted as well as the highest standard of optical products. With our dedicated service and a wide range of men’s and women’s glasses, we pride ourselves on gaining a fantastic reputation as expert opticians. Thanks to the rapid advancements in the eye care industry and with an extensive range of glasses to choose from, you can rest assured that you will find a set of frames to suit you and your style. Visit us in store for advice and to speak to one of our professional opticians in finding your perfect pair of glasses with ease, or simply get in touch with us to find out more about the various services we offer.