Every single second that we are awake, our eyes are working and yet we tend to take them for granted. Unless you have a vision problem, it is highly unlikely that you give much thought to your eye health.
Changes in your vision are subtle and may even go unnoticed. However, overlooking these changes can cost you big time. This is why getting an eye exam every 2 years is necessary to track these changes. Even if you think that your vision is fine, do not skip that crucial appointment with your eye doctor.
How often should you’ve an eye test depends on a lot of things – your age, lifestyle and whether or not you wear prescription glasses. People between the ages of 40 and 60 usually experience a decline in their near vision which causes them to wear reading glasses.
Why is eye health important?
Your eyes are not just the windows to your soul, they are the windows to your overall health. Your optician can detect general health problems like diabetes or high blood pressure in a comprehensive eye test. It can also spot early signs of severe vision conditions such as cataract or glaucoma.
Taking care of your vision is a way to ensure your overall well-being and reduce your risk of eye problems resulting from lifestyle choices. If you spend a major part of your day looking at a digital screen, you also pass for an eye test. If you have been there too and looking to buy blue light blocking glasses in the UK, make sure you buy glasses that filter 99.99% blue light.
How often should you get your eyes tested?
Most eye doctors suggest you have an eye test once every one or two years. However, the frequency of the exam depends upon various factors including your age, existing eye problems and risk factors.
Eye exam for children
Routine eye tests are important for your children so they are ready to perform well in school. About 80% of the information that your child learns is presented visually.
You should have a first eye exam for your kid when they are 6 months old, the next one before they turn 3 and another before they start going to school. If your child is free of any eye health risks, you can continue to get their eyes checked every two years. Also, children who wear eyeglasses need to visit their eye doctor more frequently.
Eye exam for adults
Adults between the ages of 18 & 60 should have a comprehensive eye examination every two years. People who are older than 60, should consider annual eye exams.
In case you have a family history of eye disease or you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should have more frequent eye exams. Decline in near vision is inevitable as you grow older. However, if you have problems in both near and distant vision, your optician will recommend you wear varifocal glasses.
Cost of eye exam
Eye tests can be availed through different venues. You can have it in an independent eye doctor’s office, a medical clinic, an optical retailer or even free eye tests from the National Health Service (NHS).
The cost of an eye exam depends on various factors – where do you live, whether the exam is being performed by an optometrist or ophthalmologist and the different tests included in the exam. If you want to get a free eye test without leaving the comfort of your home, companies like Specscart do that as well.
In case you get a prescription, you can visit your local optician’s store or order prescription glasses online. However, when doing online shopping for glasses, make sure you enter the right prescription and other information like pupil distance so you get the right fit.
Many people like to buy their frames online as they get access to exciting glasses offers and save money on expensive eyewear such as varifocals and readers.
Use Progressive Lens and Improve Your Life!
Eye test becomes even more important when you have a prescription. Your prescription can change over time and you might not be able to see clearly with your current glasses. If you’ve any other query related to your vision, discuss it with an optician or optometrist.
