Vision problems such as astigmatism, short-sightedness, and far-sightedness affect millions of people around the country. They are very common conditions that can be addressed through the use of glasses or contact lenses. Of course, the health of our eyes should be treated with as much respect as we treat other areas of our health. This is why it is important to make an appointment with a local optical specialist.
What an Optician Can Do for Your Eye Health
If you do have one of these eye conditions, it’s important to see an optician every year because the severity of astigmatism, for example, can actually change over time, thus requiring a brand-new prescription. Of course, seeing an optician is more than just being fitted for new glasses. Opticians provide a range of services, including but not limited to:
- Eye Testing: This is the primary method of determining what type of common vision condition affects a person, be it short-sightedness or far- While it is still common for opticians to deploy a poster with letters written on it to determine vision issues, there have been advances in optical testing that also mean that other conditions can now be diagnosed early.
- Pressure Testing: Glaucoma is an eye disease that affects many people. It is also hereditary and it is important to be tested for it if there is a family history of it. In glaucoma, the tiny and delicate blood vessels in the retina are damaged due to higher-than-normal blood pressure. This can lead to blind spots and eventual blindness if it is not managed. Early detection through pressure testing conducted by a qualified optician is key to managing this condition and preventing serious damage.
- Peripheral Vision Tests: Early detection of potentially serious eye diseases such as macular degeneration and glaucoma will typically necessitate a peripheral vision test. During this test, a series of graphic and fast moving blobs will blink into and out of one’s peripheral vision. By pressing on a button, the patient indicates whether he or she has seen the blob pop into his or her vision or not. The level of the patient’s accuracy during this test will determine whether further testing is required and whether the peripheral vision is being affected by an eye condition that requires management.
Eye care near me is available from a range of optical specialists. If you have not seen an optician for some time, it might be time to get some more testing done.
Keeping Our Eyes Healthy
Our eye health is critical to our overall health and sense of well-being. While common vision problems such as astigmatism can be quickly tested for and remedied through the use of glasses or contact lenses, an optician provides many more services.
