How often should I get my eyes tested?
Your eyes are a vital sensory organ you might take for granted. They work between every blink. Because of the eyes, you can immerse yourself in books for hours, binge-watch your favorite shows, sit in front of a computer for hours to make a living, and perform self-care. You are nothing without your eyes. It is, therefore, critical to ensure that they continue to operate efficiently and remain healthy. The only way to ensure that is by getting your eyes tested regularly.
An eye test is a holistic healthcare practice that screens vision and monitors overall eye health changes. As eye changes occur steadily, you may not notice any early warning signs of probable eye illness. Therefore, a routine eye test is necessary to detect eye problems and start treatment as soon as feasible. This will keep the disease from causing permanent or substantial damage to the eye. But how often should you get an eye test?
Ophthalmologists advise having an eye test every two years. However, infants to two-year-olds must get an eye test every six months. Children aged 3 to 17 and older adults over 65 must get an eye test yearly. However, if your optometrist recommends more frequent eye tests, do so. Lastly, get quick medical attention if you are experiencing a problem with your eye or sight.
Reasons to Get Your Eyes Tested
Aside from age, the frequency of getting your eyes tested is influenced by your health problems. If you have been diagnosed with any of the following conditions, you should have your eyes tested more frequently:
Aside from the aforementioned health issues, if you have a family history of eye problems, use medications that cause visually associated side effects, have previously undergone eye surgery, or have experienced an eye injury, you are at a greater risk of getting eye illness.
Even if you are not diagnosed with any of these disorders now, you may be in the future. If you notice any of the following symptoms, get immediate medical attention to diagnose and treat the problem before it causes more harm.
- - You frequently rub your eyes
- You need to wink to focus on things
- You find it hard to read
- You experience constant headaches
- You see things double as in suffer from double vision
- Your eyes become more sensitive to glare and bright light
The primary cause of the above symptoms is usually a vision change. You must use corrective glasses in such cases. And, if you have developed any other issues, see an eye care specialist.
How to Protect Your Eyes?
Protecting your eyes is more about adopting precautions beyond a comprehensive eye test. Every day, you must practice essential eye care habits. These behaviors are practical and helpful in ensuring the overall health of your eyes, even in old age. It's never too late to create good habits or break bad ones, so start with the following ones.
Wear Sunglasses
Sunglasses are more than a fashion statement. They shelter our eyes from UV rays, which cause eye conditions such as macular degeneration and cataract. So wear sunglasses to reduce your exposure to UV radiation.
Eat Nutritious Food
Obesity is a significant cause of diabetes. Thus, it must be prevented. Diabetes is the leading cause of glaucoma or blindness. As a result, you must eat a well-balanced diet rich in nutrients such as lutein, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, vitamin C, and vitamin E. Consuming such a nutritious food will ward off your chances of catching eye disorders like cataract, glaucoma, etc.
Maintain Blood Sugar Levels
Controlling blood sugar surges, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure is critical for preventing eye diseases. The key here is to eat well and get frequent eye tests.
Monitor Your Screen Time
Limit your usage of mobile phones and video games. When it comes to working, keep the monitor at arm's length. It is preferable to wear computer glasses to protect your eyes from the damaging blue light emitted by digital devices. This will prevent eye strain, fatigue, and unfavorable vision change.
Follow 20-20-20 Rule
The 20-20-20 rule is a quick exercise that helps relax your eyes and avoid eye strain. The rule is to look at 20 feet for 20 seconds every 20 minutes.
Other Must-Follow Good Habits
Other crucial preventive care includes:
- To avoid age-related eye and optic nerve damage, avoid smoking.
- Wear protective eyewear when participating in sports or working in hazardous environments such as chemical plants.
- Do not touch your eyes with dirty hands; clean your glasses and contact lenses regularly.
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from UV radiation, dust, and grime whenever you go outside.
- To avoid eye infections, avoid using inexpensive or outdated cosmetics.
- Blink often and drink plenty of water to prevent eye dryness and discomfort.
Check your eyesight vision regularly to ensure your prescription is up to date.
Wisdom Words
The first step in keeping eyes safe is to be aware of the importance of eye health. The next step to promote optimal eye health is to take measures such as getting a regular eye test and practicing healthy eye care behaviors such as wearing sunglasses when outside. I hope this guide helps you in living a life with the best eyesight.