There is a lot more to a sight test than finding out if you need new spectacles or contact lenses. An eye examination carried out by a qualified ophthalmic optician is also a health check which every one should have regularly.

An examination can detect the presence of hidden eye diseases such as macular degeneration and glaucoma as well as more general health problems like high blood pressure and diabetes. As many sight related conditions can develop very slowly symptoms can initially go unnoticed so the sooner a problem is detected the greater the chances of it being successfully treated.

Regular eye examinations are recommended for everybody and for most people between the ages of 16 and 60 this means an appointment is needed every two years even if you are not experiencing any visual difficulties. But for those people who suffer from diabetes or either suffer from or have close relatives with glaucoma then an examination each year is essential.

The most common cause of blindness in people of working age is diabetes of which there are over two million sufferers in the UK. It is estimated that effective eye screening and treatment could cut blindness caused by this disease by half.

Glaucoma is mainly confined to those over 40 or with a family history of the disease. It is caused by an increase in pressure building up in the eye, and this can lead to blindness eventually if left untreated. If glaucoma is detected in its early stages by an eye examination it can be successfully treated.

If your eyesight is deteriorating it doesn’t necessarily mean you have a serious problem. The likelihood is that your vision can be improved simply with new spectacles or contact lenses. Whatever your visual situation it makes sense to look after your sight and the health of your eyes with a regular eye examination.