Optometrists are healthcare professionals who specialize in examining, diagnosing, and managing conditions related to the eyes and vision. They play a vital role in maintaining eye health, prescribing corrective lenses, and detecting eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts. Optometrists also offer guidance on proper eye care and may refer patients to specialists for further treatment if necessary.
If required, an optometrist will keep your prescription up to date for glasses or contact lenses and will look for clues that your eyes give about your overall health.
Whether you have 20/20 vision or already need to wear prescription glasses or contact lenses, seeing an eye specialist like Mfazo Hove at regular intervals will benefit your eyes and your overall health. So, let’s learn more about why it is important to see your optometrist regularly.
An optometrist will keep your prescription up to date for glasses or contact lenses and will look for clues that your eyes give about your overall health. Regular eye exams can reveal long-term vision issues and even potential medical conditions such as diabetes, cataracts and glaucoma. Whether you have 20/20 vision or you need to wear prescription glasses or contact lenses, seeing an optometrist at regular intervals will benefit your eyes, and your overall health.
Eye Exams Help Detect Other Health Problems.
Eye exams can offer clues to help detect other potential health problems. Two common problems that an eye exam can identify are high blood pressure and diabetes. Sometimes an optometrist can spot these issues even if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms. High blood pressure can manifest as visible blood vessel damage, which can show up on a routine eye exam.
Minor blurred vision can sometimes indicate fluid build-up beneath the retina or even damage to the optic nerve. Routine eye exams can also show that you may have diabetes. Symptoms of diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to loss of vision or blindness, are not always present at early onset. Diabetics are quite likely to develop cataracts and even open-angle glaucoma. Seeing your optometrist regularly can help to catch these issues early and manage them before they impact your vision and overall health. Book an appointment with optometrists in Sydney without delay to pre-empt these potential health issues.
Your Optometrist Understands Your Vision History.
If you organise a regular visit schedule with your optometrist, over time you’ll develop an understanding of your eyesight. You’ll understand if your vision is starting to deteriorate and how quickly. Your optometrist will record your vision history and consider any other health issues you may have, and any medication you take. These records will help your optometrist to recommend the correct eye care routine and corrective eyewear should you need it. Just as importantly, you will know that you’re getting the best possible care for your eyes.
Keep Your Prescription Updated.
Seeing an optometrist once a year will help you to maintain healthy eyesight through regular exams and updated prescriptions. If you already wear glasses or contact lenses, keeping your prescriptions up to date is essential. Many glasses and contact lens providers won’t fill a prescription that is more than eighteen months old.
Eyesight Can Deteriorate Quickly.
Routine eye exams will ultimately help you to see better and experience fewer side effects of poor vision such as fatigue and headaches. In fact, your eyesight can deteriorate quickly, and without regular exams, you may develop a serious problem without even realising it.
After the age of 40, it is particularly important to have regular eye exams as around this age your vision changes and diseases become more prevalent. After the age of 60, you should visit your optometrist at least once per year, especially if you already use corrective eyewear. With guidance and regular exams, you can prevent vision problems from developing rapidly before they dramatically impact your eyesight.
