It’s time to set your sights on an eye test

Post on 12th October 2017

Today, Thursday 12 October, is World Sight Day, the annual day of awareness to focus global attention on blindness and vision impairment.

On a more personal scale it provides a timely reminder of the need for all of us to take better care of our eyes and to have regular eye tests.

It’s easy to neglect our eyes because they rarely hurt when there’s a problem. Having an eye test won’t just tell you if you need new glasses or a change of prescription – it’s also an important eye health check.

It can spot many general health problems and early signs of eye conditions before you’re aware of any symptoms, many of which can be treated if found early enough

Did you know that conditions such as high blood pressure, raised cholesterol, diabetes and increased risk of stroke can be picked up in an eye test?

Optometrists recommend that most people have an eye test about every two years.

Eye tests are thorough and carried out by professionals who will examine your eyes and the area around them to look for signs of injury, disease or abnormality. Afterwards you will be advised whether your sight needs correcting and whether you need to be referred for further investigation.

Eyesight declines as part of the natural aging process and some cases of sight loss are unavoidable, but for many simply going for regular eye tests and adopting a healthier lifestyle could prevent sight loss having a significant impact on their lives.

Eating a well-balanced diet, keeping fit with regular exercise, avoiding drinking alcohol to excess, quitting smoking and protecting your eyes from the sun are all ways to maintain healthy eyes and a healthy body.

So why not mark World Sight Day by making that eye test appointment and considering lifestyle changes you can make to see your way to a healthier future?

If you need any advice on looking after your eyes or you would like to book an eye test, please call in at your nearest Scrivens branch.