Is it time I had an eye test?
Many people wonder how often their eyes need to be checked by an optometrist. An optometrist is a registered health professional who examines the eye and visual system to diagnose, treat and manage eye conditions. For most people, it’s advised to have an eye examination every two years, though earlier or more frequently if any eye problems occur. Here are some signs that you may need to book that appointment:
1. Your vision is becoming blurred If you’re experiencing blurry vision, book in to see your GP or have an eye test as soon as possible. This could be due to a variety of common eye problems, or possibly an underlying medical issue. If you can no longer see in the distance or you are struggling to read, you may be developing a common eye issue which can be helped by an optometrist.
2. You have difficulties seeing in bright light and/or darkness. If you’ve noticed any change in your vision in the evenings, where once you could see in the dark and now no longer, or if your night vision is fading and your driving is becoming more of a concern, it’s worth having a check up. You may also notice it’s taking your eyes longer to adjust after seeing bright lights on a highway, which means that muscles in your eyes are weakening. Usually, eyes weaken as we age, but there’s plenty ofoptions to help.
3. You’re experiencing frequent eye strain, fatigue or headaches. Some eye strain is normal such as if you’ve been concentrating on something for a long time or staring at a computer screen for hours on end. If you could once read for an hour without strain, but now only 20 minutes, it’s a sign something has changed and it’s best to see an optometrist. They can guide you through the tips and tricks to ease eye strain and fatigue. Headaches are also a common symptom, which sometimes indicates the need for optical correction. Wearing the right lenses can often help remedy these issues.
4. You’ve started seeing flashes or spots. Don’t panic if you start seeing flashes or spots in your vision. It’s common in older people and generally if it’s not getting worse or affecting your vision greatly, it’s nothing serious. However, if you are concerned, or it’s causing visual disturbance or deterioration, it is best to see an optometrist promptly. They can then give you advise or refer you to an eye specialist if needed. If you have any queries regarding your visual needs, get in touch with our friendly team at Blur Eyecare. You can call us on 07 578 1513 or send an email to papamoa@blureyecare.co.nz. You’ll find more information on our website www.blureyecare.co.nz.