Having difficulties with sight or reduced vision isn’t just inconvenient. It can also be dangerous to our health by increasing the risk of falling, having an accident while driving and incorrectly taking medications. To make sure your eyes are healthy and dependable, routine eye tests are essential.
But how often do you need to book in with your optometrist? We’ll explore everything you need to know about routine eye tests, so there’s no confusion about looking after your sight.
The Importance of Eye Tests
Eye tests are important at any age, but especially as we get older. There are several reasons for this, including maintaining eye health and detecting vision problems early.
Certain eye diseases, including glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD), become more common as we age. Routine eye exams can detect these diseases and hopefully catch them quickly enough for early intervention.
Routine eye tests also ensure you have accurate records of your vision status. Vision can deteriorate quickly with age, and keeping your glasses or contact lens prescriptions up-to-date is vital for your safety.
Troubles with vision may increase your risk of falling at home. This can lead to frailty in certain people, depending on underlying health conditions, current lifestyle and well-being.
How Often Should You Book an Eye Test
You should have an eye test every two years, or as frequently as your optician recommends. If you notice any changes in your vision or find your glasses not working as effectively as they used to, book an appointment early to ensure there’s nothing to worry about.
Are You Overdue for an Eye Test?
If you can’t remember the last time you had an eye test and are wondering whether you should book one sooner rather than later, here are a few indicators that you need one:
Frequent Headaches and Migraines
Eye strain is a common cause of headaches and migraines. If you often find yourself shutting the blinds and reaching for painkillers after driving, reading or watching TV, you may need an eye test. Most people find that their headaches improve as soon as they get a new pair of glasses.
Blurred Vision
There are several potential reasons for blurred vision, from a simple prescription change to glaucoma or type 2 diabetes. An eye test gives your optician a clearer understanding of what’s going on and causing your changes in vision.
Floaters or Halos
Floaters are small shapes that can be seen floating in your field of vision, and halos are bright circles that appear around lights. These can be caused by age and are often harmless, but they should be checked nonetheless. Sometimes, underlying issues like cataracts cause these issues.
Difficulties Reading
If you find that reading has suddenly become more difficult, it might be because your vision is deteriorating or changing. You may need reading glasses or other aids to help continue reading without discomfort.
Irritated Eyes
Realising your eyes are becoming more sensitive and irritated can be worrying, but there’s often a simple explanation that can be treated efficiently after a trip to your optometrist. Dry or watery, red and itchy eyes should be checked as soon as possible to get treatment started.
Family History and Age
A family history of glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure, or AMD might require more frequent eye tests to ensure early intervention. People over the age of 60 should be vigilant with their eye tests, so if you think it might have been longer than two years, book one as soon as possible.
Free Glasses and Eye Tests
The NHS offers free eye tests and glasses to people who match a certain criteria. You can book a free eye test with an NHS-approved optician if:
- You’re over 60: You’re entitled to a free eye test every two years. If you’re advised to have more frequent eye tests, you may have to pay for these.
- You’re over 40 with a family history of glaucoma: You may be at higher risk of glaucoma, so you may be offered a free annual eye test.
- You have diabetes: People with diabetes are entitled to a free eye test every two years, or more frequently if clinically necessary.
- You or your partner receives certain benefits: If you or your partner receives benefits, such as income support, you may be eligible for free eye tests.
People on the Guarantee Credit part of Pension Credit are automatically entitled to vouchers towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses. If you’re on Universal Credit and meet other requirements, you might also be eligible for help with health costs.
Keeping Your Vision Healthy Between Eye Tests
There are several ways to maintain healthy eyes between tests, helping keep you safe, confident and independent at home. Aside from booking regular eye tests, here’s how to protect your vision:
- Wear sunglasses when spending time outdoors
- Make sure your optician knows about any family history of eye conditions
- Eat eye-healthy foods, including those containing Vitamins A, C, E and D, zinc and omega-3 fatty acids
- Stop smoking, as this can increase the risk of age-related vision degeneration
- Protect your eyes when doing DIY or playing sports
Home Aids and Equipment to Stay Safe With Visual Impairments
Even if you find your eyes not working as well as they used to, there’s no reason why you can’t continue living independently at home. Optical aids and equipment can help you continue doing what you enjoy, like reading books and playing sports, without headaches, eye strain or mobility problems.
Popular optical aids include:
- Magnifiers: A magnifier can be put on a screen or over a book to increase the size of what you’re looking at.
- Big-button telephones: To avoid getting frustrated with pressing the wrong buttons on small phones, swap them for big-button technology.
- Large print publications: Continue reading books, magazines and newspapers by buying large print alternatives.
- Audio devices: Audiobooks and talking watches are some of the most common aids for people with visual impairments.
- Screen readers: A screen reader talks to you and tells you what’s on the screen, so you can still immerse yourself in TV programs and send messages to loved ones.
- Walking aids: If your visual impairments make it difficult to walk around the house, a walking stick, crutches or wheelchair can reduce the risk of falls and injuries.
Talk to Our Team Today
If your loved one requires home care, chat with one of our friendly care team today. We offer a free, no-obligation enquiry and assessment service and are happy to offer information and advice to help you find the perfect home care solution.
Call us on 020 4572 5583 in confidence for a free no obligation quotation. If enquiring outside of our opening hours, please complete our online form and we will contact you the next day.
