How often should I have my eye’s tested?
Most opticians recommend that you have your eyes tested at least once every two years if you are between the ages of 16 and 60. If you are either side of these ages then you may require eye tests once a year. The frequency of eye tests also depends on other health factors such as whether you have diabetes, glaucoma and high blood pressure and therefore you may require eye tests more frequently than the average person your age.
Why are eye tests so important?
Many people believe that eye tests are just to see if you need glasses and therefore the test can be put off for a few years at a time. However this is not just the case. As well as solving vision related problems such a headaches and tiredness, they can also help detect and prevent diseases and conditions which can lead to blindness and also underlying health problems such as brain tumours and diabetes. These problems can be detected with regular eye tests and they can be prevented before your health and eye sight deteriorates. You may think your vision is fine, however you don’t know about any underlying problems until your eyes are tested.
Just as you go to the dentist for a regular check up, it is important to see an optometrist for a regular eye check up.
I have headaches a lot and find myself squinting often; do I need my eyes checked?
Yes it is important to have your eyes checked, especially if you find yourself squinting a lot. Squinting can be the result of myopia (near-sightedness), hyperopia (far-sightedness) or astigmatism. These eye problems can cause headaches, blurred vision and tiredness and can make daily tasks such as working at the computer very hard.
Having an eye test will pick up on these problems and the optician will discuss with you your prescription and the options you have in order to correct any visual problems and eliminate the symptoms.
Do I have to pay for my eye test?
Usually you will have to pay for your eye test depending on what Opticians you choose to book an appointment with. The average price of an eye test will range from £20-£30, however Tesco opticians offer free eye sight tests to the general public.
Also if you are entitled to NHS-funded eye tests then you do not have to pay for your eye test, providing you fit the criteria as found on the ‘NHS eye tests’ page.
Why do my children need their eyes testing every year?
Children’s eyes are not fully developed until they are around 8 years of age. If a child has an eye problem and it is not detected before it if fully developed then there is a lesser chance of successful treatment.
If a child has a vision problem they may not perform as well at school as they may be squinting a lot and consequentially suffering with headaches and tiredness leading to a lack of concentration. It is therefore very important that their eyes are tested regularly up until the age that their eyes are fully developed in order to detect and prevent possible problems.
Will an eye test hurt?
No, an eye test is completely painless.
If you have any worries about an eye test then talk to you optometrist. Your optometrist will talk you through all of the procedures to put you fully at ease and ensure you are comfortable. No part of the eye test is designed to hurt in any way at all.
How long does an eye test take?
The average eye test typically takes around 25 minutes. The full eye examinations usually take 15 minutes but it will take longer to gather your results and prescription and discuss these with you.
Also, if you require dilating eye drops during the eye test then it may take up to an hour as it can take up to 30 minutes for your pupils to dilate.
