Eye check-up: how often should I go?
The eyes are considered to be two of the most delicate organs in the entire human body. In addition to this, since a significant portion of our eyeballs are exposed, they are also one of the most vulnerable organs. Just pointing out these simple facts is enough to understand how important it is to work towards our eye health, don't you think?
As one of our five senses, sight allows us to capture and interpret an endless number of stimuli in the form of light rays. This makes spatial location easier for us and helps us interact more effectively with our environment. However, to ensure the well-being of our eyes, we must practice certain preventive measures .
Every individual has the option to create healthy habits that contribute to ocular integrity. However, in this regard, nothing is more effective than the services of a professional. Checking our eyes regularly can help us avoid any inconvenience and ensure a better quality of life.
At Óptica Bassol we explain why it is important to have an eye exam and how often you should repeat this process. Keep reading!
What is ophthalmology and what does it do?
The word “ophthalmology” comes from the Greek and means “science of the eyes”. Ophthalmology is a medical-surgical specialty, focused on the study and treatment of a wide variety of eye diseases.
An ophthalmologist has a deep understanding of the structure and function of the entire ocular system. This system includes the muscles that facilitate the movement of our eyes, the eyelids, the tear ducts and even the connection between vision and the brain.
Modern ophthalmology has the means to treat conditions ranging from astigmatism and amblyopia to cataracts and macular degeneration.
As you can see, the range of expertise of an ophthalmologist can be very broad. By attending an ophthalmological check-up, you can be confident that your eyes are in good hands.
Would you like to read more about this? Visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) website .
What does an ophthalmological consultation consist of?
Many low-risk eye conditions can be prevented by simply having an eye exam. In fact, it is now possible to slow the development of several degenerative eye diseases if they are diagnosed in time.
Through an eye exam It is possible to detect eye diseases at an early stage and act to correct them. This is the case of diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
Eye tests not only help us prevent or delay vision loss. Even if it is a mild condition, having a check-up with an eye doctor could significantly improve your quality of life.
Common conditions such as astigmatism and myopia can cause considerable discomfort. When our eyes are experiencing difficulties, this can manifest itself in headaches, fatigue and other symptoms.
How often should you go for an eye check-up?
How often you should have your eyes checked depends on a number of factors. As obvious as it may seem, the best way to know how often you should have your eyes checked is to visit an ophthalmologist. That said, in general terms, health specialists recommend having an eye exam on an annual basis.
Below we share some advice given by ophthalmologists according to the age of each individual.
Neonates and infants
In the case of newborn babies, specialists suggest performing a careful ophthalmological examination during the first 24 months of life . This procedure becomes even more urgent if the baby is born prematurely or with low birth weight.
Likewise, if your little boy or girl has already turned three, it is the right time to take him or her to the ophthalmologist again. At this age, children begin to recognize shapes and colors more accurately. Thus, it is a key stage for the infant's ocular development.
Then, throughout the ages of three and twelve, it is recommended that your children be seen by an eye doctor on a regular basis.
Adolescents and young adults
Teenagers and young adults too Children should have an eye exam every two years. After all, as sexual maturity approaches, the body undergoes a number of drastic changes. Some eye conditions only become apparent during this period of development.
Adults over 40 years old
Finally, adults who have passed the age of 40 should pay special attention to their eye health. It is at this point that symptoms of presbyopia often begin and problems with intraocular pressure are experienced.
Older adults also tend to suffer from considerable deterioration of the lens, which causes so-called “cataracts.” Fortunately, this condition can be overcome with the help of an expert.
If you are part of this group, it is a good idea to schedule an eye exam at least once a year.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Despite being such an important medical science and such a popular profession, there is still a lot of ignorance regarding ophthalmology. With this in mind, at Óptica Bassol we have gathered three of the most common doubts related to the subject. Below we give you the answers to these questions.
What is the difference between an optometrist, an eye doctor, and an ophthalmologist?
We often use these terms interchangeably, however, this is not entirely appropriate. While all of these words refer to a professional specializing in the study of the eyes, there are slight differences. Let us explain what each branch of eye health does.
Optometry: a non-medical health science
“Optometry” is a word of Greek origin, which is composed of the word “eye” and the term “measure”. An optometrist is responsible for the primary care of eye health, which is achieved by applying different prevention, diagnosis and rehabilitation measures.
An optometrist is able to determine a person's visual perception index and diagnose different vision disorders . These professionals are also often in charge of prescribing different formulas for corrective glasses.
Although not part of medicine, optometry remains a science and a discipline of great importance. In fact, optometry and ophthalmology often complement each other.
Optometrist and ophthalmologist: are they the same thing?
Ok, we have already made it clear that optometry is a separate science and should not be used as a synonym for ophthalmology. However, in the case of the word “oculist” and the word “ophthalmologist”, things are different. These terms are used to refer to the same profession .
Of course, the practices and notions of this science may differ slightly depending on each nation. Perhaps because of this and because of language barriers, there are those who point to them as different disciplines.
As we mentioned at the beginning, ophthalmology is a medical science whose objective goes far beyond measurement. An ophthalmologist or oculist studies the visual system in all its magnitude and is capable of surgically intervening in it if necessary. It is a very rigorous profession, which seeks to prevent, correct or delay different eye diseases.
Where can I get an eye exam?
Now that you know what an eye exam consists of and how important it is to have one regularly, you may be interested in finding out where such a service is offered. Don't worry, because finding an ophthalmological clinic is relatively easy. In fact, most public and private clinics offer ophthalmological assistance as part of their services.
Likewise, if you prefer to start with a slightly simpler eye exam, you can go to an optometrist. Óptica Bassol has different locations equipped with the best professionals and optometry equipment. Find a location near you and schedule your appointment !
What are the most common eye conditions?
According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), color blindness, amblyopia, and astigmatism are some of the most common eye conditions. Age-related macular degeneration, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy are also on the list. To learn more about these and any other eye conditions, visit the NEI website .
We also invite you to visit our Blog , where you will find all kinds of useful information. Stay on top of fashion, choose the glasses that best complement your features and learn about eye health.
How advisable are contact lenses?
This is not directly related to the importance of having regular eye check-ups. However, it is one of the most common questions that arise in relation to the world of eye health. The controversy regarding the effectiveness and safety of using contact lenses is a fact that we cannot ignore.
Contact lenses are corrective tools developed and approved by ophthalmologists. These lenses offer a much more comfortable and versatile alternative for a large number of individuals. They can be used for safety reasons by highly competitive athletes or for aesthetic reasons. In general, they are a perfectly valid option.
The risks associated with contact lenses are related to several factors. On the one hand, the materials and manufacturing process of the lenses are very important. In addition, each individual's personal hygiene measures also have an influence. Finally, certain eye conditions prevent the proper use of these products.
Do you want to change your glasses for contact lenses? The best thing to do is to consult an ophthalmologist. See? Now you have another good reason to have an eye exam. If you have already been advised by a professional and are looking for good contact lenses, we invite you to check out our offers .
Check out our catalogue
After an eye exam, your eye doctor may recommend corrective glasses. If so, keep in mind that glasses don't have to be uncomfortable or ruin your style. In fact, You can wear them as an accessory to your own personality and make them part of your image. At Óptica Bassol we are here to help you with that.
Visit our Official Portal and discover the best offers on prescription glasses and sunglasses . Explore our catalog of brands , with hundreds of frames to choose from. Use our search filters to find the perfect model in a matter of seconds.
You can sort the results according to different criteria, from price to color. Specify whether you want to find a model for men, women or children, what type of frame you like best, among other options.
At Óptica Bassol we have a delivery system thanks to which you will receive your glasses in just 24 hours . What are you waiting for to give your eyes the care and prominence they deserve?
