It's important that we all attend regular eye health tests
You’re putting your sight at risk by not attending regular eye checks, that’s the short of it. We need to see opticians regularly to keep in check of our eye health.
Many people are living with poor vision and putting their sight at risk because of failure to get them checked according to new research from the College of Optometrists released for National Eye Health Week.
Findings show that despite more than two thirds of people valuing eyesight above all other senses, more than a third of people admit leaving it ‘months’ - and in some cases ‘years’ - before seeking help, even after noticing their eyesight deteriorate.
The research also shows that almost two thirds of people put up with poor eyesight despite it having a detrimental effect on their life.
Most people should have their eyes examined by an optometrist every two years but this could vary depending on your age and family or medical history – an optometrist will be able to provide advice on this. Despite this, the research shows that more than 1 in 10 of us have never had our eyes tested.
Dr Susan Blakeney, clinical adviser to the College of Optometrists, commented:
“It’s concerning that despite sight being considered our most precious sense people don’t treat problems with their eyes in the same way they would other conditions, which would result in an immediate trip to the GP.
“Regular sight checks are important for two reasons, firstly because having your vision corrected can improve the quality of day to day life, but secondly and perhaps more importantly regular sight tests can mean early detection of conditions such as cataract, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration which could lead to sight loss. An optometrist may also be able to spot the signs of some broader health conditions with symptoms that affect the eyes, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.”
“If you notice any changes, such as straight lines appearing wavy, ‘missing’ patches or blurry vision, then you should book yourself in for a sight test. Regular eye examinations should form part of everyone’s health routine, after all looking after your eyes is just as important as looking after the rest of your body.”
More information about how to look after your eye health can be found here: www.lookafteryoureyes.org and more information about National Eye Health Week can be found here: www.visionmatters.org.uk/
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