Why Eye Exams Are Important For Your Vision

Eye exams are important for your vision because providing solutions to your visual problems can eliminate pain or frustration caused by visual issues and can ensure that you are functioning at your best.  Regular eye exams can detect vision problems and eye diseases at their earliest stages when they are most treatable.
Your Optometrist can help to prevent or slow the progression of many eye diseases, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.

It is recommended that adults have a comprehensive eye exam every 1-2 years or as recommended by an eye care professional. Children or infants must have their first eye exam at around six months of age, another at three years of age, and then every 1-2 years thereafter.

Impact of Eye Health on General Well-being

Over 80% of the information we receive from the world comes from our vision. 

The ability to see clearly and comfortably affects various aspects of daily life, including work, school, driving, and social interactions.

Poor eye health can cause discomfort, pain, and visual impairment, which can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Eye problems can cause headaches, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, which can negatively affect work and academic performance. Additionally, visual impairment can limit an individual’s ability to perform daily tasks independently, such as reading, driving, and navigating their environment.

Maintaining good eye health can positively impact various aspects of daily life, academic performance, independence, physical health, and emotional well-being.

Benefits of Regular Eye Exams

Regular eye exams are essential for maintaining good eye health and overall wellness. Here are some benefits of regular eye exams:

1. Early Detection of Eye Diseases: Early indicators of eye diseases like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts can be found during eye exams. Early detection and treatment can prevent or slow down the progression of these diseases, preserving vision and preventing complications.
2. Correction of Vision Problems: Refractive errors like near-sightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism can be found during eye exams. Prescription glasses or contact lenses can correct these problems, improving vision and reducing eye strain and headaches.
3. Detection of Systemic Diseases: Early symptoms of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can be detected during eye exams. These conditions can affect the eyes and cause visual changes, and early detection can prevent complications and improve outcomes.
4. Monitoring of Eye Health: Regular eye exams can monitor changes in eye health over time, detecting any changes or abnormalities. This can help prevent complications and ensure early treatment if needed.
5. Assessment of Eye Function: Eye exams can assess how well the eyes work together, including depth perception and peripheral vision. This can be important for certain activities such as driving and sports.

Different Types of Eye Exams

There are several types of eye exams that an eye care professional may perform, depending on the individual’s age, medical history, and any visual or ocular complaints. Here are some common types of eye exams:

• Standard Eye Exam – A standard eye exam thoroughly examines the eyes and visual system. It includes a review of the individual’s medical history, an assessment of visual acuity, refraction to determine the need for corrective lenses, and an examination of the internal and external structures of the eyes. This type of exam is typically recommended for adults every one to two years, depending on age and risk factors.
• Paediatric or Behavioural Optometry Eye Exam – A Paediatric or Behavioural Optometry eye exam is a comprehensive eye exam specifically designed for children. It includes an assessment of visual acuity, eye tracking and coordination, and an examination of the internal and external structures of the eyes. Paediatric or Behavioural Optometry eye exams are important for detecting and treating vision problems that can impact a child’s academic and social development. Behavioural Optometrists have extra training and experience in this area.  They do additional tests and provide additional treatments which can optimise how a child develops, functions and processes visual information.
• Contact Lens Exam – A contact lens exam is a comprehensive eye exam that includes an evaluation of the individual’s suitability for contact lenses, a measurement of the eyes to ensure proper fit and a prescription for contact lenses. This exam may be recommended annually for contact lens wearers.
• Dilated Eye Exam – A dilated eye exam entails dilation of the pupil with eye drops so that the retina and other internal structures of the eyes can be examined in greater detail. This type of exam is typically recommended for individuals with a history of eye diseases, diabetes, or other systemic conditions.
• Occupational Eye Exam – An occupational eye exam is an exam specifically designed for individuals whose work may impact their vision, such as those who work with computers or machinery. This exam may include an assessment of visual acuity, eye tracking and coordination, and a review of work-related visual demands.

Symptoms and Warning Signs

Several symptoms and warning signs may indicate a problem with an individual’s eye health. Here are some common ones:

1. Blurred Vision: Blurred vision can occur suddenly or gradually and may affect one or both eyes. It may be a sign of refractive errors, such as near-sightedness or farsightedness, or more serious conditions, such as cataracts, glaucoma, or macular degeneration.
2. Double Vision: Double vision occurs when an individual sees two images of a single object. It can be a sign of a muscle imbalance in the eyes, a problem with the cornea, or a neurological condition.
3. Eye Pain: Eye pain or discomfort may be a sign of a binocular vision imbalance, infection, such as conjunctivitis, or a more serious condition, such as a corneal ulcer or optic neuritis.
4. Redness or Inflammation: Redness or inflammation of the eyes may be a sign of an infection, an allergic reaction, or a more serious condition such as uveitis.
5. Sensitivity to Light: Sensitivity to light, also known as photophobia, can be a symptom of several conditions, including corneal abrasions, uveitis, or migraines.
6. Halos or Floaters: Halos or floaters are small specks or clouds that appear in the vision. They can be a sign of age-related changes in the eyes, such as vitreous detachment, or a more serious condition, such as retinal detachment.
7. Changes in Colour Vision: Changes in colour vision can be a sign of several conditions, including cataracts or optic nerve damage.

If an individual experiences any of these symptoms or warning signs, they should seek prompt medical attention from an eye care professional. Early detection and treatment can aid in the prevention of complications and the preservation of vision. 

Treatments for Vision Loss

The treatment for vision loss depends on the underlying cause of the condition. The following are some common treatments for various types of vision loss:

1. Refractive Errors: Glasses or contact lenses can be used to correct refractive errors like near-sightedness and farsightedness. Laser surgery, such as LASIK, may also be an option for some individuals.
2. Cataracts: Cataracts can be surgically removed and replaced with an artificial lens. This is a common and safe procedure that can restore vision.
3. Glaucoma: Eye drops, laser therapy or surgery can be used to treat glaucoma. The goal of treatment is to reduce eye pressure and prevent further damage to the optic nerve.
4. Macular Degeneration: Macular degeneration cannot be cured, but treatments like injections of drugs called anti-VEGF agents can help slow the disease’s progression and preserve vision.
5. Diabetic Retinopathy: Diabetic retinopathy can be managed with control of blood sugar levels, laser therapy, or injections of medications called anti-VEGF agents.
6. Retinal Detachment: Retinal detachment requires immediate surgical intervention to reattach the retina and restore vision.
7. Optic Neuritis: Medications like corticosteroids can be used to treat optic neuritis and lessen swelling and inflammation in the optic nerve.

Early detection and treatment are essential for preserving vision in all these cases.

Prescription Eyewear Options

There are several prescription eyewear options available to correct various vision problems as recommended by Optometrists. Here are some common types of prescription eyewear:

1. Glasses: Glasses are the most common and traditional form of prescription eyewear. They can be made with single-vision lenses to correct near-sightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism or with multifocal lenses to provide clear vision over a wider range.
2. Contact Lenses: Contact lenses are thin, clear discs that are placed directly on the eye to correct vision. They are available in different types, such as soft, disposable, or rigid gas-permeable lenses, and can correct near-sightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia.
3. Prescription Sunglasses: Prescription sunglasses are sunglasses with prescription lenses that can correct vision while protecting the eyes from glare and the sun’s harmful UV rays.
4. Sports Eyewear: Sports eyewear is specialised eyewear designed to protect the eyes during sports or other physical activities. They can be prescription or non-prescription and come in various styles, such as goggles, shields, or masks.
5. Safety Glasses: Safety glasses are eyewear designed to protect the eyes from workplace hazards, such as chemicals, flying debris, or radiation. They can be prescription or non-prescription and must meet specific safety standards.

An eye care professional can recommend the best option based on an individual’s vision needs and lifestyle.

Contact Eyes by Design

Eyes By Design is located in Kincumber on the Central Coast of NSW. 

We offer continuity of care and optometry under the direction of Dr Nicholas Altuneg (Dr Nick). Talk to us now to schedule your eye exam!

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.

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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