With incidents of visual impairments exceeding 2.2 billion globally, eye tests play an increasingly important role.
Aside from catching refractive eye errors, they’re also instrumental in the early detection and diagnosis of serious illnesses. These include diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration, which are among the leading causes of preventable blindness.
Regular eye tests are also crucial because they can help catch other diseases, like diabetes or hypertension. The eyes’ ability to give doctors a “look” into the internal workings of the body has even inspired some scientists to create new technology.
Case in point, researchers from the University of California San Diego developed a smartphone app that claims to screen for neurological disorders and diseases. By recording close-ups of the eye, the app tracks, and measures pupil size, which can indicate neurological function.
That said, not all eye tests are equal. While any eye exam is better than nothing, the more commonly undertaken routine versions of these examinations are not enough to capture all the complexities of ocular health.
A look at the reality of eye tests
As their name implies, routine tests are much more basic. Their primary purpose is to check for refractive errors, such as nearsightedness and farsightedness. As such, routine exams are commonly offered in smaller clinics, diagnostic centers, or chain vision centers. For example, vision centers like Walmart Vision, Pearle Vision, and LensCrafters offer routine eye tests across their branches. These tests will be performed by licensed opticians who rent clinic space in-store. In 30 minutes, give or take, they’ll test standard vision elements, including distance vision, vision sharpness, peripheral vision, and eye tracking.
At the end of the test, the optician will be able to tell a patient if they need a corrective medical device, furnish them with a prescription, and help fit their glasses or contacts. Now, while these are definitely helpful, they’re not in-depth enough to be the only eye tests taken.
That said, it’s important that patients also schedule more advanced tests regularly. Compared to routine tests, these are designed to check for more subtle and complex ocular conditions. For instance, ocular fluid pressure may be tested, which is a critical means of glaucoma prevention and treatment.
Additionally, these tests can also better gauge the function and status of the eyes themselves. To illustrate, Vision Express and other vision centers have advanced eye tests that include assessments for dry eye and UV protection. They also offer OCT 3D scans, which can give patients and doctors a literal picture of all the layers inside the eye. As a result, it becomes easier for doctors to make accurate and timely diagnoses. This way, even if a person has a history of eye problems or not, there is a smaller chance of any issues going undetected.
In closing
All eye tests are a must, but it’s important to ensure that the right kinds of tests are being given priority. Experts, such as those from HealthLink BC and the National Eye Institute, recommend booking a complete test as often as once every two years. If a person’s medical history is particularly colorful, then tests may be recommended more often just as a matter of safety. This underscores how quickly eye health can change and how much it can help to monitor other health conditions.
This article was written for WHN by RUTH ANN JOHN who is a freelance writer who enjoys writing about health, wellness, and sustainability. When she’s not typing away at her keyboard, you can find her completing an oil painting or doing DIY projects.
As with anything you read on the internet, this article should not be construed as medical advice; please talk to your doctor or primary care provider before changing your wellness routine. WHN does not agree or disagree with any of the materials posted. This article is not intended to provide a medical diagnosis, recommendation, treatment, or endorsement.
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References/Sources/Materials provided by:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/blindness-and-visual-impairment
https://www.verywellhealth.com/walmart-vision-center-3421621
https://www.visionexpress.com/eye-test
