The Importance of Regular Eye Exams and What to Expect
According to the Royal National Institute of Blind People, around two million people in the UK experience sight loss to the point that it has an impact on their daily lives. On top of this, there are millions more who are at risk of suffering sight loss in the future.
People who suffer from sight loss are sometimes born with their impairment. In other instances, they suffer it suddenly, as a result of an accident. In many cases, however, sight loss occurs gradually, as a result of environmental and genetic factors.
Why Regular Eye Exams Matter
In order to give yourself the best possible protection, it’s worth regularly undergoing an eye exam. These exams will be able to detect the early signs of common conditions like glaucoma and cataracts, before any symptoms begin to manifest. But it isn’t just eye-related issues that might be uncovered in this way: an eye exam might also reveal early signs of circulatory problems, diabetes, and heart disease.
According to the NHS, it’s worth undergoing an eye test every two years, even if you haven’t noticed any symptoms. If you feel that you’re at risk, then seeking an exam more often might be wise.
What to Expect During an Eye Exam
Eye exams comprise many different stages, including the iconic chart of letters that everyone recognises. The optician will test your ability to move your eyes, and the speed with which your pupils contract when exposed to light. For those wearing contact lenses, the exam will also consider the way that they fit the eye, and their condition. When the contacts are a poor fit for the shape beneath them, they can cause more harm than good.
Once you’ve undergone the exam, you can confirm your prescription. You can then use the information to order new contact lenses online, and to benefit from regular replacements. Having a supply of new lenses will make it easier to actually wear them and to avoid the risk of infection that comes with reusing old ones. When wearing lenses, you should make hygiene a priority – this will help you protect your eyes, in the long run.
Accessing Eye Care Services in the UK
In the UK, people of a certain age are eligible for free sight tests. These include those under sixteen and over sixty. If you have a specific medical condition, free eye tests are also available, and they provide a valuable means of monitoring for any deterioration.
It might be that you’re not eligible for a test. Even so, it’s often worth paying for one as part of a rounded suite of checkups. The information you get from the exam might help you to make better lifestyle choices – or to make more urgent medical interventions.
