Eyes are windows of the soul. Even if you are not experiencing any vision abnormalities, it is advisable to go for regular checks to ensure your eyes are healthy.
Out of all five senses, eyesight is arguably the most essential. Vision is created through a complex and intricate process of gathering, focusing and converting light into electric signals, which are then translated into images via the brain.
As we get older, our eyes become more susceptible to damage and disease. Staying alert to changes in vision is important to pick up eye problems early. Some conditions, such as glaucoma, have little to no symptoms until they are in advanced stages.
Therefore, regular eye examinations are vital to prompt diagnosis and treatment of any condition. Early detection and management can slow down or even reverse the progression of eye diseases.
What happens during an eye exam?
The ophthalmologist will usually conduct a basic eye exam that consists of an external check of your eyes, eyelids and surrounding areas. Parts of the eye, such as conjunctiva, sclera, cornea and iris, will also be inspected for signs of disease. The process is pain-free.
What does a complete eye exam include?
- Vision test (with and without corrective eyewear)
- Assessment of pupil reflexes
- Checking of eye muscle function
- Peripheral (side) vision test
- Examining the front of the eye using an upright microscope (slit lamp)
- Eye pressure test
- Examining the back of the eye
KEEP AN EYE ON YOUR VISION
Babies (aged 3 and below)
Ensure that your child’s eyes are screened during regular paediatric appointments. Some common childhood eye conditions to look out for include strabismus (crossed eyes) and amblyopia (lazy eye). The tests can also rule out rare diseases, such as congenital cataract and retinoblastoma (eye tumour).
Children and teenagers (aged 3 to 20)
Your child should undergo a thorough eye check every one to two years during routine health check-ups or when getting fitted for corrective eyewear, such as glasses for myopia
Young adults (aged 21 to 39)
Go for a comprehensive eye exam if you have a family history of eye disease or are suffering from an eye injury.
Adults and seniors (aged 40 and above)
Over time, age-related eye conditions are more likely to occur. To monitor vision changes, you should get a baseline eye disease screening at age 40 and seek the ophthalmologist’s opinion on how often you need to return for follow-up tests.
Anyone with risk factors
Risk factors for eye diseases include diabetes, high blood pressure, family history of eye disease, and medications that may affect the eyes. If you have any of the above-mentioned risk factors, you should visit the eye clinic more frequently. Your ophthalmologist will advise you on the ideal interval between check-ups.
