Checking your eye number at a spectacle shop and visiting an eye specialist are different.
In India comprehensive eye health check can only be done by a qualified board certified eye doctor or ophthalmologist.
Why Eye health is important?
Humans tend to underestimate the importance of seeing an eye doctor, often wondering whether they really need an eye exam.
The importance of seeing your eye doctor cannot be emphasised enough.
Regular eye tests are important, because your eyes do not always hurt or show any symptoms when something is wrong. A sight test is a vital health check for your eyes that can pick up early signs of eye conditions before you’re aware of any symptoms, many of which can be treated if found early enough. A eye checkup can be sight saving.
During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor does much more than just determine your prescription for eyeglasses or contact lenses. He or she will also check your eyes for common eye diseases, check each eye separately, and evaluate your eyes as an indicator of your overall health.
An Eye check up should become part of your anuual health check.
You must urgently see an eye specialist if:
- You have experienced vision changes
If you have experienced any changes in your vision or in the way your eyes feel.
- You use a screen all day
We all probably spend more than the recommended amount of screen time. While there isn’t a hard-and-fast rule about how much is too much, many adults spend more than 7 hours per day using a screen. While it might be hard to avoid, especially if your job requires you to use a computer, it can unfortunately have a negative impact on your eye health. Studies have found that increased screen time can lead to dry eyes, myopia (commonly known as near-sightedness), and general eye strain.
Ask your eye doctor if blue light glasses are right for you.
- You have diabetes
One common complication that can come from diabetes is called diabetic retinopathy. In many cases, the early stages of diabetic retinopathy do not have symptoms.
Untreated diabetic retinopathy can lead to blinding complications which can be prevented early if regular tests are done. All diabetics should have a yearly retina check.
What else can the eyes tell us about your health?
High cholesterol, brain tumours, and diabetes can be detected during a routine eye examination. If these problems are diagnosed early enough, you may be able to get the appropriate treatment. Regular eye examinations not only keep your eyes healthy, but they also help keep your body healthy. Your chances of developing serious eye problems increase with age.