Things looking a little strained?

A recent survey found that just under a quarter of New Zealanders has a feeling something isn’t right with their eyesight, but choose not to get their eyes tested. This is around 700 thousand people who may have reduced vision but are not doing anything to improve it.

Optometrists often suggest everyone should have their eyes tested every two years, particularly as we age. Around sixty percent of the million eye exams conducted every year in this country results in some sort of prescription for either contact lenses or glasses.

Do you need to get your eyes tested? Common symptoms of needing a prescription are:

Regular headaches

Blurred or double vision

Difficulty Watching TV for any period of time

Finding your eyes are sore or tired at the end of the day

Tripping over regularly or bumping into objects (or people!)

Colour confusion

Finding it hard to recognise people or street signs from a distance.

Eye tests don’t just pick up short or long sightedness however. They can also detect a range of diseases – both eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts, and other health issues such as hypertension, brain tumours, blood disorders and multiple sclerosis.

Optometrists use a range of different tests during their examination and if anything out of the ordinary is picked up further testing is carried out.

 “The most important thing for us is that you feel comfortable in the hands of an eye care professional and the advice you are given; whether it is vision correction, or referral to a specialist,” says Alice Ku, OPSM NZ Regional Eyecare Manager.

“The survey indicates there are many New Zealanders who are living with poor eyesight that could be responsible for a range of other issues.

“In school-age children, even the smallest vision impairment can seriously affect their ability to learn and their future development. In elderly people, vision problems can cause falls, accidents and reduced quality of life. It's vital for people to see an optometrist regularly to have their vision checked,” added Ms Ku.

If you have any of the above symptoms and haven’t had your eyes tested recently, consider making a time to have them checked. Your sight is worth it.

www.opsm.co.nz