Introduction
Vision loss is one of the most serious medical concerns worldwide. The good news is that it can be preventable if certain eye conditions are detected before they advance or get worse. As a result, experts recommend that everyone undergo regular comprehensive eye exams conducted by ophthalmologists in Manila.
This article summarizes everything you need to know about regular comprehensive eye exams. Read on to learn how frequently you should undergo these tests and what the best ophthalmologists in the Philippines can do to keep your eyes healthy.
How Often You Should Visit Your Eye Doctor
Comprehensive eye exams are done to check how healthy your eyes are and detect any eye conditions that may affect your vision. The recommended number of times you need to visit your doctor for an eye exam depends on some factors, such as:
Age
The eyes can weaken as you age, so you must visit your doctor more frequently as you get older. Adults under 40 are recommended to undergo eye exams at least every two years. This is the case if they do not have any eye problems or are not at risk of developing any. Otherwise, they are advised to get yearly checkups to monitor the condition of their eyes.
On the other hand, annual checkups are recommended for people older than 40. This is the time when some age-related eye problems start to develop.
Keep in mind, however, that adults are not the only ones who need to have their eyes checked regularly. Infants, too, are advised to undergo visual screening from as early an age as six months. This helps detect eye problems that rarely have any noticeable symptoms. Kids around three years old and toddlers about to go to school are recommended to have their eyes checked.
Family History
Genetics can also affect a person’s eye health. This means that if your family has a history of cataracts or glaucoma, you can also develop the condition. Knowing your family history and having regular trips to your eye doctor can help protect you from these eye conditions.
Overall Eye Health
Sometimes, eye specialists in the Philippines might recommend you visit more frequently, depending on the overall health of your eyes. This is usually the case if it was determined in your previous eye exams that you are at risk of developing certain conditions that need treatment or constant monitoring.
Why Regular Comprehensive Eye Checkups Are Important
Here are a few benefits of visiting your doctor regularly to have your eyes checked:
Check if You Need New Prescription Lenses
When people undergo comprehensive eye exams, they will learn if they need to wear prescription lenses for the first time. Nevertheless, those who are already wearing glasses or contact lenses still need to have their eyes checked at least once a year.
This way, your doctor can check if your eyeglasses or contact lenses still match your eye grade. If something is amiss, you might be recommended to take another exam to measure your current eye grade and have new prescription lenses made.
Monitor the Overall Health of Your Eyes
Your eyes can change as you age, and it is important to see how these changes are affecting your vision. This can be done by undergoing comprehensive eye tests on a regular basis. As you age, you might need to take these exams more frequently so your doctors can check early signs of age-related eye conditions.
Diagnose Eye Problems and Diseases Early
Some eye conditions develop slowly and painlessly. However, in some cases, the person might only notice the problem once it worsens or is already in its advanced stages. Having regular visits to your doctor to get a comprehensive eye exam can help you avoid these scenarios.
With the proper diagnostic tests, your doctor can determine symptoms or signs of various eye problems. Detecting such conditions in their early stages is crucial to prevent them from becoming bigger issues in the future.
Various Types of Eye Exams
When you visit an eye clinic to get your eyes checked, you will undergo certain tests to measure your prescription and evaluate your overall eye condition. Some of these tests are:
Visual Acuity Test
Visual acuity tests are done to determine the capability of each eye to recognize details, like letters, numbers, or symbols, from a distance. One of the most common ways to test visual acuity is by using the Snellen chart, which contains letters and numbers of different sizes arranged in rows.
During the exam, you will have to sit or stand 20 feet away from the chart. The doctor will ask you to cover one of your eyes and then tell you to read the numbers or letters in each row. You will stop when you can no longer recognize or read the figures in the chart.
Refraction Assessment
Also called a refraction test, this exam is done to see if you have any refractive errors, such as astigmatism, myopia (nearsightedness), and hyperopia (farsightedness). A machine will be used to determine the correct lens power and accurate prescription for the patient.
Slit Lamp Test
A slit lamp test, also known as biomicroscopy, allows doctors to look closely and thoroughly examine your eyes. This exam checks for abnormalities that can develop into problems in the future.
The doctor will use a low-powered microscope and a slit lamp to check the different parts of your eyes. These machines help specialists get a clearer view of the various parts of your eyes, such as the cornea, iris, lens, retina, and sclera.
Pupil Dilation Test
Also called a dilated eye exam, this test gives doctors a clearer view of the inner parts of your eyes. Eye drops will be used in this test to purposefully dilate (or widen) your pupils so the doctors can check your entire retina, optic nerves, and macula.
Eye Muscle Test
This specific exam is done to determine if your eye muscles are working properly. The eye specialist will ask the patient to follow their pen, fixation light, or finger without moving their head. If they notice something amiss, you might be asked to undergo more exams to identify the root cause of the problem.
Schedule an Appointment for an Eye Exam Today
Have you already decided to get your eyes checked? Now, it is time for you to contact your trusted clinic and set an appointment with their doctors. You can get in touch with us at Asian Eye Institute to schedule a consultation with some of the best ophthalmologists in the Philippines.
Asian Eye Institute has several locations in different parts of Metro Manila, so you can choose the one that is most accessible to you. When scheduling your appointment, you can either use the form on our website and wait for the confirmation to be sent back to your email. Alternatively, you can directly message or call your preferred branch to speak to the staff.
Conclusion
Regular comprehensive eye checkups are necessary to keep your eyes healthy for as long as possible. They are also done to detect diseases in their early stages and possibly prevent them from getting worse or at least delay their effects.
It is important, however, to find a doctor you can trust. Fortunately, you can turn to Asian Eye Institute for help. Our team is composed of some of the best ophthalmologists in the Philippines, so you can rely on them to determine the best treatment for any eye problems you may have. If you want to consult them, you can schedule an appointment with us. You may also contact us if you have any questions or concerns about our services.
