Routine screening and check-ups can help diagnose and treat eye conditions that may be difficult to treat if they have been ignored or untreated for a long time. A simple test can detect and prevent further damage to the eye, particularly in this day and age where there is a steady and rapid increase of lifestyle diseases that directly affect our eyes.
Types of eye tests:
Basic screening:
This may include a vision test of both eyes done separately to rule out weak eyesight. Screening can be done for all ages, but is important for school children to diagnose childhood blindness, amblyopia (lazy eye), squint (misaligned eyes) and childhood tumors.
Comprehensive eye test:
This should be done in case basic tests reveal any abnormality. Detailed testing should also be done at the age of 6, 18 and 40 years as these are landmarks for possible changes in the eye that should be detected and treated. In people suffering from systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia and other infectious diseases, which may affect the eye in varying degrees, a regular comprehensive test may be warranted. Many eye disorders are hereditary and therefore it is important for people with a family history of eye problems like glaucoma and macular degeneration to undergo comprehensive testing.
This includes detailed testing of vision, eye pressures, lids, cornea, lens, retina and the optic nerve. It is important to be examined after dilating drops are instilled to check the back of the eye.
Eye check up timeline
| Age | Schedule of eye test | Red flags |
|---|---|---|
| Preterm babies | As early as possible, follow schedule with a retina specialist | To rule out Retinopathy of prematurity, which is a serious and potentially blinding condition in low birth weight and preterm infants. |
| Birth to 3 years | Paediatricians usually perform a gross examination. At 6 months a Basic check is recommended. | Consult an eye specialist in case of misaligned eyes, white reflex in the eyes, drooping lids, constant bumping into objects, and sticky, red, watery eyes. Babies of mothers having infections during pregnancy or after should be checked thoroughly. |
| 3 to 6 years | 1st comprehensive test | Children needing spectacles should follow up as advised, watch for red flags such as crossed eyes, abnormal face turning, redness, eye rubbing, sticky eyes, complains of blurring. |
| 6 to 18 years | Routine eye test every 2 years | Watch for any complains of headache, eyestrain, inability to see the blackboard, eye rubbing and redness. If present, then report the symptoms to an ophthalmologist immediately. |
| 18 years to late 30s | 2nd comprehensive test at 18 years Thereafter every 3-5 years | Lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, genetic eye disorders like glaucoma, extreme discomfort while using digital screens, visual disturbances, eye rubbing, excessive computer use. If present, then report to ophthalmologist immediately. |
| 60 years and older | Regular check ups every 1-2 years | Rule out cataracts, glaucoma, dry eye disease, any form of retinal degeneration related to aging or lifestyle diseases. |
Special Considerations – Follow the schedule recommended by the eye specialist in the following cases
- Short sighted or myopic of all ages (having Minus number spectacles) Routine check up to update spectacle number and rule out any weakness in the retina, preferably yearly.
- Genetic eye diseases
Rule out any ocular diseases that could be inherited, such as glaucoma, high myopia, retinitis pigmentosa etc.
- Systemic diseases
- Diabetes:
A yearly retina check is required to rule out the effect of diabetes. If diabetic retinopathy is detected early, sight saving procedures can be performed in a timely manner.
- Hypertension, cholesterol and other infections:
These may have a direct effect on the eye and its blood supply. It is important to have regular comprehensive check ups to detect and treat these changes in the eye.
In many vocations, it is imperative to have a certain minimum visual acuity, colour vision and ability. It is important to have baseline testing done in advance to be aware about one’s ability to enter the profession and clear its requirements.
With the increasing dependency on digital screens, phone screens, computers, etc., it is beneficial to understand the causes of computer vision syndrome or digital eye stress and prevent its onset.
Routine testing can help early diagnosis of many sight threatening eye disorders. Vigilance, care and timely treatment is essential to prevent a majority of eye disorders from causing blindness and can save your eyesight.