For some people, an eye test is an essential annual appointment, but for others, it’s left off the appointment list. If you’re one of those people who put off having an eye test, here are some reasons to rethink it.
How Often Should You Get An Eye Test?
The frequency of an eye test will depend on your stage of life and the condition of your eyesight. The recommendation for children and adults is to have their eyes tested every two years. However, if you have an eye condition or a medical condition that can affect your eyes, it’s recommended that you have an eye test more regularly.
The medical conditions that can impact eye health include diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke, and brain and nerve conditions. Specialised eye tests are often recommended for people with one or more medical or eye conditions. These tests check the visual field to detect any areas of vision loss, retinal imaging of the back of the eyes, and complete a scan of the innermost area of the retina. The eye conditions that require more frequent eye tests include:
Short-sightedness (myopia) – difficulty focusing on objects in the distance
Long-sightedness (hyperopia) – difficulty focusing on close-up objects
Astigmatism – blurred or distorted vision at all distances
Macular degeneration – a loss of vision in the centre of your field of view
Glaucoma – increased pressure in the eye that can cause loss of vision
Retinal detachment – the back layer of the eye (retina) separates from the layer of blood vessels
Cataracts – clouding of the lens of the eye.
Most importantly, don’t wait to get your eyes tested if you have any concerns about your eyesight. If you notice your vision has changed, book an eye test. If you have concerns about your child’s vision, book an eye test or see your GP as soon as possible.
Why You Should Have Regular Eye Tests
The purpose of an eye test isn’t just to check on your vision (although it’s a big part of an eye test). An eye test is also essential to check for eye conditions, diseases, or damage. A regular test means you’re more likely to detect the early signs of a rising issue rather than picking it up when it’s well advanced. If available, an early diagnosis and treatment can prevent further damage and serious vision loss.
What’s Involved in an Eye Test
The type of eye test you have depends on your age, general health and eye health. For those people who only need a standard eye test, you should expect your optometrist to complete the following:
Ask about any vision problems and health in general
Test your ability to see at a range of distances
Check how well your eyes react to light and movement
Check how well you see colours
Measure the pressure inside your eyes
Examine the surface of your eyes with a microscope.
How Often Eye Tests Are Covered by Medicare
If you’re an Australian resident with a Medicare card, you’re eligible for an eye test by an optometrist (that’s bulk-billed), so there is no out-of-pocket expense. For people aged under 65, they can have a bulk-billed eye test every three years. For those over 65 years, a bulk-billed test is available yearly. Check if your optometrist bulk bills or charges any additional fees at the time of booking. Medicare doesn’t cover any cost of glasses, contact lenses, or laser eye surgery.
Next Steps
First, if you’re experiencing vision changes or it has been two years since your last eye test, book a consultation. Don’t let more time go by. Your eyes will be grateful.
Hopefully, your eyes are healthy, but if your optometrist comes back with concerns about your test results, you may need to consider using an aid to improve your sight. This may include glasses, contacts, or laser eye surgery. Before committing to any treatment or procedure, you may like to discuss your options and research the best solution for your case. Feel free to contact us to find out more about laser eye surgery.
