The eyes are among the most important organs in our body, and it is integral to take care of them. Regular assessments by an ophthalmologist help keep our vision in check, identify problems at an early stage, and prevent future issues.
Eye examinations are essential for maintaining eye health. Read on to learn everything you need to know about eye examinations.
When Should You Have an Eye Exam?
We typically only seek an eye examination when our vision deteriorates, but this approach is far from ideal. Regular eye tests are essential even if you don't have perfect 20/20 vision.
The need for eye examinations varies based on factors such as age, general health, and existing eye conditions. Here's a general guide to understand when you should get an eye examination:
For Children:
- The eyes of newborns should be examined before a child is discharged from a hospital.
- The first complete eye checkup should be done when the child is 6 months old.
- Children should also undergo other tests at the age of 3 and before joining school.
- Annual eye check-ups should be conducted to monitor vision.
For adults:
- Ages 20-39: Every 5 years
- Ages 40-54: Every 2-4 years
- Ages 55-64: Every 1-3 years
- Ages 65 and older: Every 1-2 years
However, these are just some best practices. You might need more frequent check-ups if you:
- Have a family history of eye disease
- Wear contact lenses
- Suffer from a disease such as diabetes or hypertension
- Use drugs that can impact the eyesight
It's important to understand that some eye diseases do not initially present with distinct symptoms. This is why routine eye examinations are necessary for everyone as part of their annual medical check-up. These exams can identify problems before they escalate.
Do not wait for symptoms to appear before scheduling an exam. Even if you feel that you do not have any vision issues, underlying problems could be present. Regular visits will help keep your eyes healthy for many years to come.
You should schedule an eye examination and consultation with your healthcare provider if you display the following symptoms:
- Blurry or fuzzy vision
- Frequent headaches
- Squinting or difficulty seeing at night
- Eye strain or fatigue
Remember, many eye diseases are asymptomatic in the initial state. This is why check-ups are necessary. They can prevent various issues from escalating to severe levels.
What Do Ophthalmologists Check During Eye Exams?
If you wish to get your eyes checked, a specialist known as an ophthalmologist will conduct the following tests:
- Visual Acuity Test: A standard sight test involves reading letters on a chart from a distance. To assess your distance vision, you'll be asked to read letters of various sizes to determine how well you can see at different distances. This is a crucial part of any eye vision test.
- Refraction Assessment: If you require glasses or contact lenses, this examination assists in determining the exact degree of your prescription. The doctor will typically hold up a device with varying lenses and verify which one sharpens your vision.
- Eye Muscle Test: In this part of the examination, your eyesight will be tested, and the doctor will assess how well your eyes coordinate with each other. You may be asked to focus on a specific object and then shift your gaze in various directions. This helps the doctor check your eye muscles and their alignment.
- Pupil Response Test: Your pupils should be able to follow the light and objects in motion. The doctor will use a bright light and move it from side to side to determine this response.
- Peripheral Vision Test: This tests your peripheral vision. You will be asked to mark the time when you begin to see an object slowly moving into your field of vision.
- Intraocular Pressure Test: This test checks for glaucoma by measuring the pressure in your eye. It is a quick and non-invasive procedure.
- Slit Lamp Examination: With the help of a special microscope, the doctor scrutinises the front of your eye.
- Retinal Examination: The doctor shall dilate your pupils to examine the back of the eye, including the retina, optic disc, and blood vessels.
- Ocular Motility Test: This test determines the patient's eye mobility. The doctor will ask you to trace an object with your eyes, which will test for eye muscle function and nerve problems.
- Depth Perception Test: Also known as stereopsis testing, this determines the extent to which your eyes can discern the depth and distance of 3D objects. For this test, you might be required to use special glasses and call out your observations.
- Corneal Topography: This is a non-contact diagnostic procedure that provides a topographic map of your corneal surface. It is useful for identifying ailments such as astigmatism or keratoconus.
- Fundus Photography: The doctor may take a picture of the back of your eye, which is crucial for recording the current status of the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels. This allows for easy comparison with future examinations.
Other Tests During an Eye Examination
Based on your age, health status, and other factors, your eye care professional may perform extra tests during an eye examination. These could include:
- Colour vision tests to determine if a person is colour-blind.
- Tear film tests to diagnose dry eye syndrome
These additional tests are beneficial in giving a detailed description of your eye condition. They are quite helpful, especially if you have issues or factors that might increase your risks.
Conclusion
Eye examinations are a significant part of a person’s health check-up routine. They not only help maintain vision but also diagnose eye diseases and other health conditions at their early stages. Eye care is essential, so book your next eye vision test and ensure your health insurance covers the cost of eye treatments so that you may receive accessible and affordable healthcare.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for any questions regarding a medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.