Eye Check Up For Good Vision

By Suparna Chakaraborthy

Friday, January 21, 2011, 13:33

An eye check up held in a school revealed that about 20-25% of the children had refractive error and need glasses to see clearly. How these children are going to learn properly if this is not detected in time. One should be aware that if this refractive error is not detected or corrected in time may lead to lazy eye or squint. Also it can be a reason for poor performance at school which can affect the future of the child in long run.

Similarly every year many people experience a decrease in vision due to some or the other reason. Usually they go for an eye check up at 40 years as they have decrease in vision for near to get their reading glasses. This is the time when a doctor is able to rule out common conditions like glaucoma. Often, there are no symptoms indicating something is wrong, as with glaucoma.

It is important for everyone to have regular eye check ups. How frequently one should have routine eye check up depends on the age & general health. The people with family history of eye problems and if already diagnosed or treated for any eye conditions should check the eyes at a regular interval as specified by their eye specialist.

A general eye exam includes testing the vision as well as evaluating the health of your eyes. One should tell about medications you are taking for any health condition as well as and other conditions that you may have been treated for in the past. Also mention about your family and or any history of eye diseases, eye conditions or have had any eye surgery.

Your eye examination will begin with a measurement of your vision with and without glasses or contact lenses, if you wear them. It includes other tests which check for any cataract or glaucoma or any other pathology in the eye. Retina is evaluated in details to see any age related degeneration or signs of any systemic disease like diabetes or hypertension. Many times diabetes is detected after a routine eye check up showing retinal bleeding spots which may remain undetected as they in early stages won"t cause any problem to the patient.

If one is in generally good health and has not been diagnosed with any eye problems or vision problems, a routine exam every two years is sufficient. However, if any family history of glaucoma, macular degeneration or diabetes is present then one will need to be examined at least each year or as directed by the eye specialist. Because cataract and other age related eye problems become more troubling as we get older, patients over 55-60 may wish to consider a routine check up each year as well.

Children should have eye test before they enter school in order to be sure that there are no undetected vision problems that might affect learning. The frequency of their examinations will depend on the family history and any specific vision problems or complaints. Certain conditions like vitamin A deficiency if ruled out at this stage and if treated in time will avoid cases of corneal blindness. Most eye diseases that cause blindness can be treated if diagnosed early. We are aware of this but still regular eye check before schooling is not a protocol.

Eyes are windows of our body which make us see this world. Timely examination by an eye specialist is essential to ensure good health of the eyes, to see this world as beautiful as it is!