Every one or two years, you’re bound to get an appointment card from your optometrist saying it is time to come in for your eye test. If you don’t currently have headaches and are happy with your vision, it’s tempting to skip these appointments as many people see them as an inconvenience. However, seeing an optometrist is about more than getting the right glasses. Here are some reasons why you should never skip an eye test.
1. They Check More Than Your Glasses Prescription
Many people confuse the roles of optician, ophthalmologist and optometrist, as explained in this blog by the Visionary Eye Center. An appointment with an optometrist can involve a discussion about any concerns you have with your eyes – from light sensitivity to dry eyes and headaches – and can involve suggestions that can help you keep your eyes healthy.
An optometrist can also check for the early signs of a number of conditions, such as:
- Infections
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
If you have a family history of any of the above, you need to let your optometrist know as they may want you to come in more regularly for tests.
2. It’s Important to Wear the Right Prescription
Even if you don’t notice problems with your glasses, your eyes may have changed over time, which means you could be wearing the wrong prescription without knowing it. The wrong glasses prescription could cause eye fatigue, headaches, and even damage your eyesight over time, so it’s important that you get your eyes checked and have your glasses or contact lenses sorted by a qualified optician. If you don’t currently wear glasses, then it may be that you could benefit from a pair, especially for driving or computer use.
3. When You’re on the Road, You Need Good Vision
The wrong prescription doesn’t just lead to issues like headaches; it could cost you your life when you’re behind the wheel. It’s difficult to estimate the number of car accidents caused by poor eyesight, as they’re thought to be underreported, but police believe it could be a factor in thousands of accidents a year. If you’ve ever tried driving in heavy rain or fog, you’ll know how hard it is to concentrate with poor vision, and having bad eyesight has the same effect.
4. Problems With Your Eyes are Easier to Treat in the Early Stages
When it comes to major issues with your eyes, if you catch them early, you often have a better chance of saving your vision. If you have conditions such as cataracts, a simple operation is enough to deal with them in the early stages, but if you wait until it advances, you may find the operation is harder and takes longer for recovery. This is why your eyes should be checked every one to two years.
While seeing an optometrist means taking time out of your busy day, it really is worth keeping these appointments as it could help save your vision and even improve your overall health.
