World Optometry Day

Optometrists can check eyes for any changes and advise whether a patient is at risk of developing an eye condition. In some cases, eye care professionals can also discover other general health changes, making them even more critical in our everyday lives.

With that in mind, here are just some of the ways you can look after your eyes, which is the best way you can show your appreciation for your local optician!

Attend regular eye examinations

There is no more straightforward way to look after your eyes than by going for an eye examination every two years unless you have been told you need to see an optician more frequently. Put a reminder in your diary of each appointment, so you know when your next one is due.

A routine eye examination is nothing to be nervous about and usually only takes around 20 minutes. Your optician may use various equipment to test different aspects of your vision and overall eye health, and it is entirely painless. You can learn more about what to expect during an eye test here.

Look out for changes in your vision

Your eyes don’t always present symptoms when something is wrong, but you might notice changes in your vision. It’s essential to be aware of your eye health so that you can see a professional if you think something isn’t right.

If you experience frequent headaches or you notice you hold objects at varying distances to see clearly, they could be signs that you need corrective lenses. If you have itchy, dry or red eyes, it could indicate an eye condition. While this is usually nothing to worry about, it’s worth making an appointment if the symptoms don’t fade independently.

Keep an eye on your children’s vision

Children can’t always articulate when something is wrong, and the earlier you can detect a problem with their vision, the better. Refractive errors such as myopia usually begin in school-age children, so look out for your children sitting closer to the TV, rubbing their eyes more or complaining of headaches.

If your child has become unusually clumsy or has poor hand-eye coordination, this could be a sign of poor vision.

There is ample opportunity for your children to have their vision tested, and it could be helpful to make sure they are tested when they start school.

How to reduce the risk of eye conditions

Looking after your eye health can be made easier by recognising early symptoms of common eye conditions. Early detection is the best form of treatment for many eye health problems, so if you think something is wrong, don’t put off telling your optician or GP.

Here you can find a handy guide to some of the causes and symptoms of common eye conditions, including glaucoma, cataracts, AMD, and conjunctivitis.