When was the last time you had an eye exam? If you can’t remember, you’re probably overdue.
Seeing clearly is just one part of eye health—your optometrist is also checking for early signs of serious health conditions that could affect your vision and overall well-being.
Here’s why regular eye exams should be prioritised as part of your regular health routine.
You vision can change without you realising
Our eyes are sneaky adapters; they can mask gradual vision changes until it's a real issue.
Regular eye exams catch these shifts early, helping to manage conditions like myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness) and astigmatism.
According to Optometry Australia, over 13 million Aussies have at least one chronic eye condition, highlighting the need for routine check-ups.
Early detection of eye diseases
Serious eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration often creep in without obvious symptoms.
Regular eye exams can spot these conditions early, preventing permanent damage.
It’s about more than just eyesight
Your eyes can reveal a lot about your overall health.
Changes in the retina may signal diseases like dementia, multiple sclerosis, and diabetes before symptoms appear.
A recent study led by Dr. Vicki Jackson from Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research (WEHI) in Victoria found that retinal imaging could become a powerful, non-invasive tool for disease screening.
Kid needs eye exams too
Myopia, or short-sightedness, is one of the most common vision conditions in children globally.
Despite its widespread impact, early signs of myopia in kids often go unnoticed because, unlike other aspects of health, vision testing in children is often not prioritised unless there are noticeable problems.
In fact, findings from Optometry Australia’s 2022 Vision Index Report revealed that almost one third of parents believed visiting an optometrist was only necessary if their child showed signs or symptoms of a vision problem.
All children should undergo a comprehensive eye examination with a trusted optometrist before starting school, or at least the year they enter primary education, even if no issues are apparent.
Regular check-ups every year should then follow.
Prevention is always better than a cure
Just like regular dental check-ups prevent cavities, routine eye exams help prevent long-term vision issues. The earlier a problem is detected, the easier it is to manage or treat.
Book an eye exam today
If it’s been more than two years since your last check-up (or sooner if you have risk factors), it’s time to book an appointment.
To schedule an appointment with your local, trusted optometrist, use our easy search tool here.
