Yes!
Even if you can see okay, you should still get regular eye tests, they are an important part of keeping an eye on your overall health and importantly, can detect the development of serious eye conditions early, many of which do not have obvious symptoms in the early stages.
Regular eye tests are important because:
1. Early detection of eye conditions.
Many eye diseases like glaucoma and cataracts, can cause permanent vision damage if left untreated. You may not experience any symptoms with the early stages of these diseases.
2. Detection of other diseases:
Eye tests can also help detect signs of diabetes and high blood pressure.
3. Comprehensive eye check:
Assesses the health of the inner and outer parts of the eye, not just your vision.
How often should I have an eye test?
Vision Australia recommends that even people without risk factors get an eye examination every second year, and more regularly if you notice any problems with your vision.
Children should be tested annually from the age of 3 as their eyesight can often change more rapidly and they may have vision issues that they are unaware of. Early detection of myopia (short-sightedness) in children gives us the best chance of preventing their eyes from worsening.
Vision problems can affect a child’s behaviour, learning and confidence. Quite often if a child is struggling with reading or learning it can simply be the inability to see the teacher’s whiteboard. Children who struggle to see objects at distance may be excluded from sports or group activities simply because they can’t see well enough to participate. With early detection, these problems can be prevented.
Why do I need an eye test?
Many eye conditions, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic eye disease, don’t have symptoms in the early stages, so early detection is essential to preventing irreversible vision loss.
Other reasons to have an eye test include:
1. Health of your eyes
Your eyesight is important, you use your eyes the whole time you are awake so having your eyes checked regularly ensures your eyes are healthy.
2. Age
Our eyes weaken with age, we have more difficulty focusing, especially on near objects, but our eye health can also deteriorate. Cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, dry eye and eye floaters are conditions that can commonly occur with age. Some eye changes are slow and may not be noticeable from day to day, but if left undetected can lead to permanent loss of vision. If you're over 65, it's a good idea to have your eyes checked every year.
3. Blurry vision
Most of the causes of blurred vision are correctable with glasses or contact lenses, but sometimes it may be related to the health of your eyes and can be serious. If you have experienced blurred vision have an eye test as soon as possible.
4. Seeing double
If you have experienced double vision, particularly if it is a new occurrence for you, you should see an optometrist immediately. This may be due to a weakness or imbalance in your eye muscles, the nerves that control the eye muscles, or a deeper neurological cause.
5. Distortion, halos and auras
These symptoms can be caused by migraines or eye conditions. A comprehensive eye check will include assessing your peripheral vision to diagnose any issues. Migraines can sometimes be caused by eye focusing problems.
6. Family history
Many eye conditions and eye diseases have a genetic basis. In children, short-sightedness, long-sightedness and lazy eyes can be hereditary — if you have one of these eye conditions your children should have their first eye test before they are 3.
In adults, glaucoma, macular degeneration and retinal detachment are known to run in families, yearly check ups keep a watch for symptoms.
I’ve had laser eye surgery, do I still need to get my eyes tested?
Yes, having regular eye checks after refractive surgery is still very important.
Just because you have corrected your vision, doesn’t mean you no longer have to take care of your eyes.
Like the rest of your body, your eyes are part of your overall health. There can be issues with your eyes and vision that go beyond what you had refractive surgery for. This needs to be evaluated on a regular basis by your Optometrist.
Not only do you want your eyes to stay healthy but your eyes can also be an indicator of health issues from other parts of your body.
