Optometrists recommend you have your eyes tested at least once every two years. However, according to the Vision 2020 Index Report by Optometry Australia, more than one in every three Australians does not do this.
Perhaps more shockingly, almost one in ten Aussies haven’t had their eyes tested in the last five years, and one in eight have never had them tested!
If you fall into the latter two categories, the good news is it is never too late to get them checked out.
However, as it’s been a while since your last appointment, you may well be wondering what it involves when you do make one. Moreover, the optometrist may also ask you a series of questions that can help them identify any potential threats to your eye health down the line.
Therefore, to give you a heads-up of what to expect, we’ve put together this post that explores both in a bit more detail.
Why is it important to get your eyes tested regularly?
So, why should you have your eyes tested every two years?
Well, for a start, doing so is an essential part of maintaining not just good eye health but your overall well-being.
Perhaps, more pertinently, it can lead to the detection of vision changes and identification of serious eye conditions early on, often before noticeable symptoms arise.
These can include glaucoma, cataracts, or macular degeneration, which can all have serious implications for the clarity of your sight and could, if left untreated, ultimately lead you to go blind.
For these reasons, you should commit to booking an eye test at 1001 Optometry or another optician on a regular basis.
What happens during an eye test?
If you haven’t had an eye test in a few years, you might have forgotten what is involved. But generally, a routine check-up takes half an hour and is something you can do without a referral from a doctor.
In addition, as eye tests are bulk billed, you likely won't incur any out-of-pocket expenses if you are covered by Medicare.
While the format of your eye test will differ depending on who is administering it for you, typically, you will be given a series of tests as follows:
- Visual acuity
- Retinoscopy
- Peripheral vision
- Eye muscles
- Checking the front and back of the eye
- Tonometry
You can find out more about these tests here.
Questions you may be asked
Throughout the eye appointment, you will be asked a series of questions by the optometrist to help them determine the current state of your eye health and identify any potential risks that might cause you problems down the line.
Here are some of the most common questions you might have to answer.
1. Do You Have Any Current Eye or Vision Problems?
This will probably be one of the first questions you are asked, and it is important to respond honestly because the optician will need to know if you’re experiencing any issues, such as blurry vision, eye strain, or frequent headaches.
It is best to err on the side of caution, so mention anything that feels off to you, even if it seems minor. As always, with any health issue, early detection is the key to preventing long-term problems.
2. When Was Your Last Eye Test?
Even if it has been ten years or more since your last appointment, it is important to answer this question as accurately as possible.
The optician isn't there to judge your lifestyle choices; rather, you need to have a timeframe to work with when diagnosing the current state of your eyes.
3. Do You Have Any Family History of Eye Conditions?
Eye health can be hereditary. Therefore, the vision expert will ask you this question to find out if there is a stronger likelihood of you contracting conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or cataracts based on your family history.
This will help them to better assess your overall risk factors and subsequently prescribe the right preventative care through specialist techniques.
4. Do You Suffer from Migraines or Frequent Headaches?
You might be asked this because headaches and migraines can be an indication of underlying vision problems.
So, let your optometrist know if this is something you deal with regularly.
5. How Often Do You Use Digital Devices?
This isn’t a question that was commonly asked 25 years ago. However, given that much of our lives is taken up by looking at screens, it has since become a vital question for eye specialists to ask.
Staring at screens on laptops or mobile phones for prolonged periods on a regular basis can cause potential issues, such as dryness, discomfort, and tired eyes.
If you do look at screens a lot, your optometrist may suggest ways to reduce screen impact, including the popular 20-20-20 rule, which states you should look up from your device and stare 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
6. Do You Drive?
Another couple of questions you will likely be asked is do you drive, and if so, how often do you do so at night?
Your optician will want to make sure your vision is clear and sharp enough to drive safely and may even follow up on these questions by enquiring as to whether you have difficulty seeing signs, judging distances, or noticing obstacles on the road.
This article is part of the HealthManagement.org Point-of-View Programme.
