Eye tests are not always high on everyone’s agenda especially during these difficult times, but your local optician is open and ready to see you.
Dr Andy Hepworth, who is an optician at lens supplier, Essilor, explains why it is so important to have an eye examination at least every two years.
Often, people don’t realise the impact that poor vision can have but, even if you think you have perfect vision, an eye exam can be one of the best things you can do to for your health, wellness and safety.
Many people first learn they have a serious health condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even cancer from a routine eye exam.
An eye exam can be an excellent indicator of your overall health
Many people first learn they have a serious health condition such as diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and even cancer from a routine eye exam.
During an optical appointment, an eye expert will evaluate the health and condition of the blood vessels in your retina, which are a useful indicator of the health of blood vessels throughout your body.
Back to school
As children head back to school, so much of what they are expected to learn – in and outside of the classroom – requires good vision. An eye exam is the only way to ensure your child is seeing clearly and comfortably to succeed.
It is also the only way to know for sure if children are seeing their best for sports and other extra-curricular activities.
Winter driving with poor eyesight can be highly dangerous
As the nights draw in and the sun shines lower in the sky, it is more important than ever to stay safe on the roads – looking after your eyesight has a key role to play in this.
Eyes send signals though the optic nerve to the brain, which is what allows us to see objects. Light plays a key part in these signals by reflecting off objects. When it is darker, there is less light to reflect off the objects and, therefore, fewer signals are sent to the brain, so we don’t see as clearly.
Eyesight can change over time and, ideally, we should get our eyes checked to make sure we meet the legal standards for driving. We should all be able to read a number plate at a distance of approximately 20 metres, roughly five car lengths.
Your local independent optician can provide all the advice and guidance you need.
Find your nearest independent local optician via www.essilor.co.uk to book an eye examination today.
