We all know we need to get our eyes checked regularly. But for many of us, our lifestyles often get in the way. Between work, school pick-ups, grocery runs, after-school sports, and trying to squeeze in a little downtime, it’s easy to push your own health further down the priority list. 

However, regular eye checks are important. Not least, because they can catch early signs of common issues before they start to affect your sight in everyday life. In some cases, an eye test can even uncover health conditions you did not realise you had, such as tumours and aneurysms. Therefore, they can literally save your life.

If it has been a while since your last appointment, here are some more reasons why regular eye exams are important for adults of all ages.

How Often Should Adults Have Their Eyes Tested?

The optometry industry recommends you have an eye test at least once every two years. However, not everyone follows these guidelines

According to findings from Optometry Australia’s 2022 Vision Index Report, some 13% of adults report never having had their eyes tested by an optometrist. Another report found that 1 in 4 Aussies haven’t had their eyes tested in the last two years. 

One possible reason for this is that many Aussies assume their eyesight is “good enough” if they can still drive, work on a computer, or read messages on their phone without issue. Others simply don’t perceive they have the time to spare on something they don’t think needs fixing.

The reality is that many eye conditions develop slowly and quietly, usually without you noticing symptoms straight away. Indeed, some people only book an appointment once they begin to experience headaches, blurry vision, or tired eyes, particularly at the end of the day.

Sun exposure is another contributing factor to declining sight health. Particularly for those who spend a lot of time outdoors at the beach, on sports fields or driving long distances. Conditions such as pterygium can become more common after years of UV exposure, especially in a warm state such as Queensland.

This is one reason some adults choose to research treatments like pterygium surgery in Brisbane after developing irritation or growths on the eye.

What Are Some Signs You May Need an Eye Check?

If you haven’t had an eye examination in the last couple of years, you should definitely do so. However, even if you have, then there are some signs to look out for that might indicate you need to book another one.

They include:

• Blurry vision
• Difficulty driving at night
• Frequent headaches
• Squinting to read signs or screens
• Dry or watery eyes
• Eye strain after computer work
• Trouble focusing
• Sensitivity to light
• Seeing floaters or flashes

This is particularly pertinent for adults who spend much of their time looking at screens, whether working on laptops or desktops, watching TV, or scrolling on their phones. Such activities can put extra pressure on your eyes throughout the day.

What Eye Conditions and Health Problems Can Regular Eye Tests Detect?

Many adults assume an eye test is simply about checking whether they need glasses. But that is far from the case. In reality, regular eye exams can detect a wide range of eye conditions and even uncover signs of other health problems before noticeable symptoms appear.

Common Eye Conditions Detected During Eye Checks

Having a routine eye test can help to identify several common eye problems in adults, crucially, at an early stage. They include, but are not limited to:

• Glaucoma
• Cataracts
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
• Dry eye syndrome
• Retinal tears or retinal disease
• Corneal disorders such as keratoconus

Glaucoma, for example, is often detected by measuring pressure inside the eye and examining the optic nerve. As symptoms may not appear early on, many people do not realise they have the condition until they start to experience vision loss.

Eye tests can also detect diabetic retinopathy, which occurs when high blood sugar damages tiny blood vessels in the retina. This is very important because the earlier you treat it, the lower the risk of long-term damage to your eyesight.

Additionally, conditions such as cataracts and macular degeneration are also easier to manage when spotted early through regular appointments.

How Eye Tests Can Reveal Other Health Issues

An eye check can sometimes reveal the presence of much more than just vision problems. For instance, during an exam, optometrists may notice signs of wider health concerns that can affect your body and overall well-being.

These may include:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol
• Autoimmune diseases such as Lupus or Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Thyroid conditions such as Graves’ disease
• Rare cases involving tumours or neurological concerns

For example, damaged blood vessels in the retina may suggest high blood pressure or diabetes. Similarly, yellow deposits around the eye can sometimes point to high cholesterol levels.

Because the eyes contain tiny blood vessels and nerves, they can offer early clues about changes happening elsewhere in the body. This is why GPs and expert eye doctors recommend regular eye checks as an important part of both vision care and preventative health care.

What Happens During a Routine Eye Test?

If it’s been a while since you had an eye test, you might not know what to expect. Well, routine eye checks are generally simple and straightforward. They may include:

• Checking your vision and prescription
• Testing eye pressure
• Looking at the health of the retina and optic nerve
• Discussing any symptoms or family history
• Examining how your eyes work together

Given the spate of industry-wide technological advancements over the last decade, most appointments are now generally quick and non-invasive.

How Can Adults Protect Their Vision Between Eye Appointments?

Of course, in between eye appointments, there are several things you can do to maintain a good level of eye health. Some simple habits you can form are to always:

• Wear sunglasses outdoors
• Take screen breaks throughout the day
• Stay hydrated
• Eat foods rich in vitamins and omega-3s
• Wear protective eyewear when needed
• Avoid smoking

You can find out why it’s important here.