Everyone knows that when it comes to dentistry that you should have a regular 6 month recall. If you neglect your teeth you certainly become aware of it. It is just as important to have regular check-ups with your optometrist. Not only do regular eye tests keep you up to date with your vision but we are also able to identify any health problems that may be underlying such as macular degeneration or glaucoma.
Optometrists recommend most patients have an examination every two years but some patients may be required to come in sooner such as children, if you suffer from diabetes, you are aged 40 and over and there is glaucoma in the family or if you are 70 years and over.
In a standard eye test our fully qualified and helpful optometrist staff will check your personal details and go through any medical issues you may be dealing with i.e. if you are on any medication, as some meds can affect your vision. They will then test your vision with different strength lenses to see if you need any glasses to help you.
Other tests can include a fields test to check your peripheral vision, a slit lamp which is a microscope that allows the optician to further examine the back of the eye and a pressures test, which is a little machine that blows a puff of air into each eye to measure the pressures.
We also offer a further examination called an OCT examination. This amazing machine takes a scan of all the individual layers in your eye and can show even the earliest on set of health problems which is often asymptomatic until it develops substantially.
The optometrist will then be able to talk you through the examination and what steps will be next. A standard eye test can take 20-30 minutes but times can differ with each patient.
If nothing else will be needed and you can just come back for another routine check in whatever allocated time the optometrist suggests.
You may need to purchase some glasses and our knowledgeable and helpful staff will be able to talk you through the different types of lenses we do and help with any frame choices.
Sometimes, the optometrist may want to do some further investigating and you will be asked to make a return appointment done under the WECs scheme which is covered by the welsh NHS and this is if the optometrist has reason to believe that there may be some underlying problem that should be looked at. In this case, there is often a need to dilate the pupils so we can have a more thorough look at the backs of the eye so – if needed – we can send any relevant information to the hospital or your GP to say what was found.
Your eyes are very precious and you only get one set, so if you feel you have neglected them a bit then either pop in or call us on 029 20712053 to make an appointment and we can happily arrange that for you.
