How Often Should You Get An Eye Test?
Regular eye examinations are essential for maintaining optimal eye health and vision quality. Adults should have their eyes tested every two years, but annual exams are recommended for optimal care. For individuals over 40, especially those with a family history of eye conditions like glaucoma, or those experiencing symptoms such as blurry vision or headaches, more frequent check-ups may be necessary.
Children should undergo eye tests at the start of every school year to support their learning and development. Remember, personalised advice from your optometrist is crucial as individual needs may vary.
WHY DO I NEED TO GET AN EYE TEST?
An eye test is how your optometrist can assess your vision and the health and well-being of your eyes. Not only are they important for indicating whether you need to start wearing glasses or need to change your prescription, but also for detecting some common medical eye conditions.
An annual eye examination will keep your eye health optimised and give you the ability to live your life confidently and freely. At Eyes by Design, we take our time with you, explain what we are doing and use modern technology to give you the best eye care possible.
Good vision is more than ‘clear sight’ or the ability to read letters on a chart.
An eye examination can help you with symptoms of vision problems. If you have any of the below, I suggest you book an eye test appointment as soon as possible.
- Blurry vision
- Headaches
- Difficulty with concentrating
- Slow reading
- Fatigue after work
- Tired, itchy or watery eyes
- Often having to reread sentences or forget what you’ve read
- Poor coordination
When it comes to eye diseases such as glaucoma, there are no symptoms and so the only way for eye conditions such as this to be detected is through a regular eye examination.
OTHER REASONS TO GET AN EYE TEST?
How often you should get an eye test really depends on the individual person. If you notice any changes in your vision, or have experienced any of the above symptoms then it’s best to book an eye test appointment as soon as possible.
However if you don’t have any current concerns, then we urge patients to come in and see us once a year to perform routine checks as we’re firm believers that prevention is the best type of care when it comes to maintaining strong vision not just into middle age, but across your entire life.
HOW AGE IMPACTS HOW OFTEN YOU SHOULD GET AN EYE TEST
You can develop problems with your vision at any age, but there are particular age groups that are at higher risk. For example, someone who may need to see an optometrist more frequently could be those aged 40 and over and who have a family history of glaucoma, as well as people aged 60 and over who will be naturally prone to more eye related health issues. If you fall into either of these categories then it’s worth speaking to an optometrist to find out how often you should get an eye test.
We suggest school age kids get an eye test at the beginning of every year because your child’s vision has a significant impact on their ability to learn. In fact, 80 to 85% of information is received through their eyes, and if your child has impaired vision this could become a potential barrier that might hinder their learning.
Teens
It is common for children to develop near-sighted vision or myopia in their teens. So regular eye examinations are crucial to detect any vision problems early. Like young school children, undetected issues with their sight could impact their academic performance throughout school and university. The adverse effects are likely to seep into their social life and even their ability to play sport.
Over 40s
Changes to your vision are a natural part of the ageing process. Differences in your sight usually happen in your 40s and this is why it is vital to have regular eye tests once you reach this age group. With early diagnosis most age-related eye conditions can be managed effectively.
REGULAR EYE TESTS ARE THE BEST TREATMENT
How often you should get an eye test depends on your individual circumstances. The more regular you have them, the earlier we can pick up on any eye medical conditions you may have.
As an optometrist I have over 30 years experience in the industry. At your regular eye examinations I will ask you about any visual concerns and demands that you have. In addition I’ll also ask you about your medical history, including regular medications, pre-existing medical conditions and your family history.
Once I have this base to work from, we’ll begin your eye examination. At each appointment we take images of your eyes so that we can monitor any changes or deterioration over time.
We can then discuss our findings with you and go through your options for treatment, if needed. At Eyes By Design you can expect a longer consultation time because your ability to see well long into the future is our top priority and we’ll do everything we can to ensure that this is a reality for you.
We’re here to help you with your vision. If you are due for an eye test, please book an appointment here.
This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general eye health topics.
It should not be used as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.
Always seek the advice of your health care professional prior to incorporating this as part of your health regimen.
Dr Nicholas Altuneg
For over two decades, my greatest passion has been helping people of all ages live improved lives through better vision. At Eyes by Design, vision is so much more than being able to see clearly or read small letters from far away; it determines your perceptions and reactions every second of the day.
Read more about Dr Nick
