Why Regular Eye Tests Are Vital for Good Eye Health
With millions affected by severe vision impairment, Consultant Ophthalmologist Mr Alex Day from Moorfields Private Eye Hospital, London, is urging the public to prioritise eye health by taking preventive measures and getting regular eye tests. It comes after a successful awareness campaign led by Vision Matters about preventable sight loss.
Why Eye Health Matters
Vision is one of our most essential senses, yet it’s easy to take it for granted. According to Vision Matters, around two million people in the UK live with sight loss significant enough to impact their daily lives, and what’s particularly concerning is that approximately half of these cases could be prevented.
Mr Alex Day highlights that while most people are aware of general eye health recommendations such as:
Eating a healthy diet
Avoiding smoking
Wearing sunglasses for UV protection
They may not fully understand the importance of regular eye tests, which can detect early signs of treatable eye diseases before symptoms develop.
The Importance of Regular Eye Tests
Many eye conditions, such as glaucoma, develop gradually and may not present noticeable symptoms until they are quite advanced. This can lead to missed opportunities for early treatment, which could prevent or slow down sight loss.
Mr Day emphasises that even if you feel your vision is fine, it’s crucial to have an eye test every two years. Regular eye tests can detect a range of issues including:
Eye diseases such as glaucoma or cataracts
Early signs of diabetes and high blood pressure
Certain types of cancer
By detecting these conditions early, you can significantly improve your chances of managing or treating them effectively.
Free NHS Eye Tests: Are You Eligible?
With the rising cost of living, it’s easy to overlook health priorities such as eye care. However, many people may not be aware that they are eligible for a free NHS eye test. You can get a free eye test at your local Optometrist if you fall into any of the following categories:
Under 16 years old
Under 18 years old and in full-time education
60 years old or over
Have diabetes or glaucoma
Have a family history of glaucoma
Ensuring that you take advantage of free eye tests can help prevent sight loss and catch eye health issues early.
When to Seek Urgent Eye Care
It’s not just regular eye tests that are important. Mr Day advises that certain symptoms should prompt urgent attention from an Optometrist. These include:
Sudden or partial vision loss
Eye injury
A sore, red eye, particularly if you wear contact lenses
Heightened light sensitivity
A dark shadow or “curtain” in your vision
Any of these symptoms could indicate serious eye problems, and early intervention could be crucial in preventing long-term sight loss.
As National Eye Health Week 2024 comes to a close, it’s a timely reminder to take your eye health seriously. Regular eye tests, even if you think your vision is fine, are essential in catching preventable conditions before they worsen. With free NHS eye tests available for many, there’s no reason to delay this important aspect of your health.