Regular eye tests when you are older help detect eye conditions such as detached retinas, cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration
PEOPLE often neglect their eyes because they often do not hurt when there is a problem, hence a regular eye test is so important.
An optician 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.
The NHS recommends you should get your eyes tested every two years, or more often if advised by an optician.
Children often do not complain about their sight but they show signs of being unable to see properly. Parents should be aware that sitting too close to the TV, blinking and rubbing their eyes a lot or one eye turning in or out.
When over 60 eye tests are particularly important. Regular eye examinations can have your vision corrected which can improve quality of day-to-day life. They will help detect eye conditions such as detached retinas, cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration which could lead to sight loss, poor vision could be a risk factor for falls.
Eye tests can also detect other health conditions such as dementia, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, arthritis and even tumours.
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Floaters are more common than flashes and look like small dark spots or strands that appear to float in front of your eyes They are common and are normally harmless and some people notice flashes of light. They can be due to movement of the gel inside the eye. Occasionally floaters and flashes can be a sign of a retinal detachment.
Harjut Dhindsa the Boots optician in Droitwich explained the latest eye scanning techniques using an optical coherence tormography which uses state of the art 3D cameras to take digital photographs and dimensional scan of the back of your eye in one sitting.
The scan is non-invasive, painless, simple and quick but it gives you an invaluable ongoing record of health and condition of your eyes.
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