Eyecare

Basic Facts You Should Know

■ Eyecare Opticians are fully qualified to check the health of your eyes as well as providing a spectacle or contact lens prescription.

■ You need to achieve a certain standard of vision to be eligible to drive. Eyecare Opticians can confirm whether or not you do so.

■ Many eye conditions have a hereditary pattern so it is important for family members to be alerted when a relative is diagnosed with an eye condition.

■ Children should be examined at a young age - if they have an uncorrected problem for a significant length of time they may develop a permanent reduction in vision in one or both eyes. Appropriate vision correction before the age of 7 is the best way to avoid this long-term visual problem. For more information see our Kids Health page

■ Certain occupations and trades require specific visual standards. Eyecare Opticians can inform you of these standards.

■ It is recommended that you have your eyes checked at least every two years and more often when your optometrist advises. Certain patients e.g. diabetics should have an annual eye examination.

■C ertain medications can affect your vision and the health of your eye. E.g. some malaria tablets can damage the macula, which gives you sharp central vision, prolonged steroid use can speed up the development of cataracts. Your optometrist can advise you of any ocular side effects of medication you may be taking.

■ VDU use can take its toll on your eyes. If you spend a lot of your working day on a VDU, it is likely that you are eligible for a free VDU eye test on a regular basis. See your Optometrist if you experience any of the following signs or symptoms: Eyelid lumps or bumps Sudden loss / reduced vision Stingy / itchy /red eye Flashing Lights Double Vision Blurry Vision Unexplained headaches Flakey/ red eyelids