Introduction
The eyes are considered one of the body's most important organs and senses; taking care of them is often ignored, resulting in loss of sight and the need for glasses. The perception of getting the eyes checked is not only about getting the power checked for the eyeglasses; there is so much more to a full eye examination than the basic visual acuity test. A full eye examination covers a much deeper aspect of visual function, which expert ophthalmologists and optometrists always perform. A closer examination of the eyes provides in-depth details of the underlying eye conditions, which often go unnoticed when a superficial eye examination is performed. This may also be an early indicator for proactively managing potentially life-threatening diseases.
What Is the Importance of Regular Eye Checkups?
Examining the eyes offers a check for visual function for the proximal and distant vision. The basic visual acuity screening identifies if one needs to start wearing glasses for the first time. Thereby indicating any periodic correction, if needed, based upon the improvement and deterioration of the visual function over the years. In addition to looking for near-sightedness and far-sightedness, an optometrist also looks for any other ocular symptoms. It must be understood that almost 75 percent of blindness is preventable if it is identified on time. Examining eyes is very important, and they are only useful if done properly and regularly. Most of the ocular conditions and symptoms, if once developed, are very difficult to treat and cure at a later stage; therefore, a thorough examination of the parts of the eyes is equally important.
How Often Do We Need an Eye Examination?
The patient's ocular health determines if only a visual acuity test or an intensive and comprehensive eye examination is needed. As a rule of thumb, children often require fewer eye examinations than adults, who require twice-a-year eye checkups to determine their overall ocular function. A more comprehensive eye examination is required in old age. Individuals whose jobs require a very demanding visual engagement are also advised to get their eyes fully checked more often than once in two years.
The age and condition determine the eye examination. A comprehensive eye examination must be scheduled at six months, age three, age five, or six before joining the school and two years later. Age 18 to 40 years at least every two years. Age 41 and older, at least every year. In case of the elderly at least every year or in case of any eye-related issue.
How Can the Damage to Eyes And Loss of Sight Be Prevented?
It is estimated that over 50 percent of eye problems can be prevented if the eyes get tested on time. A regular eye checkup is important because having a corrected vision can improve the quality of life and help detect eye conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration, which can be possible reasons for eye loss. Poor vision could also be a risk of falls. Upon further and detailed checking, an optometrist may be able to see signs of some broader health conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. Eye examination for children must ensure that visual problems like squint, lazy eyes, or myopia can be detected and treated as soon as possible.
What Exactly Happens During Routine Eye Check-Ups?
A comprehensive eye checkup consists of the following tests:
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Visual Acuity: The eyesight is evaluated, and near and farsightedness are checked. Contact lenses and eyeglasses are given if the eyesight is not on par.
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Eye Pressure: The pressure of the eyes is checked with contact and non-contact tonometer. For the latter, a local anesthetic will be used.
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Slit Lamp Test: A microscope with an inbuilt light is used to check the eyes. At high magnification, a detailed picture of the eye is examined. The retina and optic nerves can be seen due to the use of a set of lenses that directs the light behind the back.
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Dilated Test: Eye drops are used to dilate the pupil of the eye. This is done to examine the retina and the optic nerve closely.
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Other Special Tests: These are recommended if an unusual condition is suspected.
What Are the Benefits of Having Routine Eye Check-Ups?
Regular eye checkups offer better visual function and show how often adjustments need to be made when the visual acuity improves or declines. The quality of life improves when eyesight is restored. The risk assessment will be offered, mainly for two commons: near and far-sightedness. In over 75 percent of cases, blindness can be avoided if the detection is done early. More than half of the blindness can be avoided. Therefore, it is very important to get one’s eyes checked regularly. Routine checkups identify early symptoms and diseases that cannot be treated after a certain point. Potentially life-threatening diseases can be avoided by regular eye checkups. Diabetic eyes can be identified with a thorough yearly examination. There is no outward sign of diabetic eye at an early stage; thus, the only way for an early and better prediction is via thorough eye examination.
What Are the Special Conditions Which Merits From More Frequent Examinations?
A more frequent eye evaluation is needed for symptoms like redness, pain, tired eyes, watering due to pollution, misalignment, decreased vision, blurred vision, recurrent headaches, eye cancer, eye floaters, etc. In cases of suspected diabetes, tuberculosis, depression, and arthritis, frequent examination of the eyes is also needed. In the case of glaucoma, more examinations must be scheduled. For those contact lens users, a regular eye examination is needed to review prescriptions annually.
What Are the Things That Must Be Done to Keep the Eyes Healthy?
To keep the eyes healthy, make sure in the case of glaucoma, one is seeing the best. Firstly, eat a healthy, balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables. Maintain a healthy weight, as obesity might increase the risk of diabetes. Get exercised regularly. Wear sunglasses, as exposure to the sun might damage one’s eyesight. Wear protective eyewear to avoid injury. Be well aware of the family's medical history. Avoid smoking as it might develop cataracts and cause damage to the optic nerve. If contact lenses are on, infection must be avoided by washing hands before wearing them, following instructions to keep them clean, and replacing them when needed. Try reducing the eye strain. Try the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look away about 20 feet for 20 seconds.
Conclusion:
Overcome the impression that one does not need an eye checkup as long as one can see, as the reality is different. Most diseases threatening eyes do not have an early symptom; hence, ensuring an early eye checkup would help manage eye diseases and injuries. It must ensure that the treatment offered for various eye conditions is affordable for the people.
