When did you last visit an optician? If you’re scratching your head trying to remember, you’re certainly not alone. Most of us tend to put off booking that appointment until we’re squinting at road signs or struggling to read in low light.
Getting your eyes checked regularly is more than prescription glasses updates; it can have lasting benefits for your overall health and well-being.
The benefits of routine eye exams
Think of your annual eye test as a service. They allow us to spot early warning signs of serious eye and general health conditions long before you notice symptoms. Glaucoma – a group of diseases impacting the optic nerve – can develop gradually without any obvious indicators. Similarly, diabetes and high blood pressure frequently reveal themselves through changes in your retinal blood vessels.
Age-related macular degeneration, which damages the central vision, affects thousands of people across the UK, whilst myopia (short-sightedness) rates continue to climb, particularly among young people. The sooner these are identified, the more effectively they can be managed. Family history plays a crucial role, so if close relatives have experienced vision problems, you may be at higher risk and benefit from more frequent check-ups.
If you drive, uncorrected sight issues can significantly alter reaction times and peripheral awareness, potentially putting you and other road users in danger.
How often should you get your eyes tested?
Children and teenagers (up to 16 years)
Annual appointments are essential during these formative years. Vision directly impacts learning, concentration, and social development. Many learning difficulties can stem from undiagnosed sight problems.
Adults (16-60 years)
Every two years is typically sufficient for healthy adults, though our optometrists may recommend more frequent visits based on your circumstances.
Mature adults (over 60)
Annual visits become increasingly important with age, when age-related conditions like macular degeneration and cataracts become more common.
Higher-risk individuals
Those with diabetes, a family history of glaucoma, or existing medical conditions should attend annually or as frequently as advised by our optometrists.
Your comprehensive assessment at Mirage Opticians
At Mirage Opticians in Ealing, every appointment begins with an in-depth discussion about your lifestyle, medical history, any concerns, and your visual needs. Your optometrist will then conduct detailed assessments to determine your prescription and comprehensive health screenings using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment.
Our quick, painless, and noninvasive OCT eye test provides incredibly detailed 3D cross-sectional images of your retina and all its layers at the back of your eye. This allows us to detect minute changes that might indicate developing problems, sometimes up to 5 years before a traditional eye test would. It helps identify macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and other conditions at their earliest stages.
The Optomap scan captures ultra-wide images of your retinal surface, revealing up to 80% of your eye, compared to 45% seen during traditional retinal photography. This advanced screening can detect retinal tears, detachments, and even signs of health issues like cardiovascular disease in areas that otherwise would not have been visible.
Don’t worry if you feel nervous about your appointment; we understand that some people find these visits daunting. We’ll explain each step clearly and ensure you feel comfortable throughout.
Your local Ealing eye care specialists
Mirage Opticians Ealing has been serving the community for years. We’re committed to maintaining our patients’ long-term ocular health and overall quality of life with highly personalised service and vision solutions. These range from prescription glasses or contact lenses, to sunglasses with various tint and coating options, hospital referrals for further treatment for specific eye conditions we detect, and much more.
Whether it’s been months or years since your last visit, now is the perfect time to prioritise your vision and get more peace of mind with our comprehensive eye exam. Ready to book? Schedule yours online or pop in to discuss your needs with our welcoming team.
