Why Are Regular Eye Tests So Important?

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While many of us recognise the need for preventative dental and health check ups with our local doctor, we’re generally less aware of the importance of regular eye testing.

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Many changes to eye health take place gradually and often go unnoticed or without obvious symptoms. That’s why ProVision optometrists recommend having an eye test at least every 2 years regardless of your age and physical well being. If you’re a contact lens wearer or diabetic, your optometrist will usually recommend that you return for an eye health review every 12 months.

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What You Can Expect From a Routine Eye Examination 

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During a comprehensive eye test, your optometrist will do more than just determine your prescription. To assess both your vision and the health of your eyes your optometrist will:

• Measure your ability to see near and at a distance without visual aids via tests such as reading an eye chart, to determine the strength of lenses required to give you the best vision possible

• Examine your eye’s reaction to colour, light and movement

• Assess your how both your eyes work together (this is called binocular vision)

• Detect, monitor and control any eye diseases by testing the pressure of your eye as well as assessing the retina, blood vessels and top of the optic nerve for any irregularities. More advanced testing may be employed to provide the optometrist with a more accurate view.

• Look for ocular signs of general health problems

If a vision problem is identified your optometrists will recommend corrective eyewear or vision training, and may refer you for further assessment where required.

Find more about how routine eye check can save a life Here.

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Advanced Eye Tests

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Advanced eye tests may be employed during a routine eye exam to give your optometrist a more in depth look at your eye health. These tests are often used in the early detection of eye disease.

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RETINAL IMAGING

Retinal imaging is a digital image taken of the retina, blood vessels and optic nerve located at the back of your eyes to assist in the early detection and management of certain eye diseases, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetes and hypertension. It is a painless test, no different to having your picture taken, and takes a few minutes to complete. It will provide your optometrist with not only a health assessment of your eye, but also a benchmark of what a normal image looks like for your eye in order to better detect any changes in the future.

Retinal imaging is not currently covered by Medicare. The additional fee will be discussed with you beforehand. 

OCT SCANNING

Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) Scanning is used in the early detection and management of eye diseases. The OCT scan is so detailed that it has even been likened to an MRI of the eye. This scan allows your optometrist to see detailed images of the retina (the inner most layer of the interior eye), enabling them to accurately detect, monitor and control changes to the retina. This procedure is currently the only one that shows in-depth images of the eyes internal structures.  Other procedures only show the surface of these structures. The scan only takes minutes and the equipment never touches the eye, so there is no discomfort. 

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OPTOMAP RETINAL EXAM

The Optomap takes an ultra-widefield view of the retina for the detection and management of common eye diseases such as glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and even cancer. Unlike traditional imaging methods, it captures a staggering 80% of your retina while traditional methods capture only 15%. The image of the retina is captured in only a quarter of a second! It’s just like having a picture taken. Dilation drops may be required.

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Children’s Eye Tests

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Vision is responsible for around 80% of all learning during a child’s first 12 years^. Undetected vision problems can interfere with their ability to learn and meet their full potential. Physical, emotional and social development can also be compromised.

As children often assume their vision is the same as everyone else’s, it’s common for visual problems to go unnoticed. Regular eye testing for children is essential to ensure their vision and eye health is developing normally. Learn more about children’s vision and eye testing.

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Contact Lens Consultation

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Almost every glasses wearer is suitable for contact lenses. If you’re thinking about wearing contacts, your optometrist will book you in for a Contact Lens Consultation to assess your eligibility and to fit you with contact lenses that best suit you and your prescription.  Learn more about the Contact Lens Consultation.