Digital Retinal Photography
Digital retinal photography allows your Optical Direct optician to take a detailed digital photograph of the back of your eye. This is turn helps us to monitor your eye health more closely. We believe this technology is a vital component of a thorough check-up, even more so if you’re over 40, or your optician recommends it and you will be pleased to hear, that at Optical Direct we’ll include it as part of your eye examination at no extra cost. This new technology can also highlight a range of other conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol – to name a few.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is caused by a build up of fluid within the eye, increasing pressure, which ultimately damages the optic nerve. The loss of visual field often occurs gradually and slowly, and may be recognised by the sufferer only when at an advanced stage. This loss of vision can never be recovered, so prompt diagnosis is essential. Treatment is via simple eye drops.
Cataracts
Most common in the over-60s, cataracts is a condition where the lens becomes opaque, blurring vision and, if left untreated, can lead to loss of sight. Early signs off the condition include near-sightedness and the reduction in perception of blue colours. If diagnosed, surgery is generally the most effective way to restore your vision.
Diabetes
If you are diagnosed with diabetes, then we definitely recommend coming in to visit the optician. Diabetes can cause tiny blood vessels to leak or burst, which may result in blurring sight and leaving dark spots on the field of vision. Early treatment can help prevent loss of sight.
What tests are performed during my eye exam?
Each sight-test is tailored to suit your particular needs. As well as working out what your ideal lens and power may be, our opticians will check the health of your eyes, address any problems you may be currently having with your vision and provide you with answers to any questions you may have. Special equipment can be used to measure the pressure inside your eyes, the sensitivity of your field of vision and take photographs of the retina at the back of your eye. At the end of the sight test, the optician will be able to provide you with recommendations for glasses or contact lenses – or if you are lucky, reassure you that you have perfect sight!
Do I need a sight test? I went for a contact lens check recently.
The short answer is yes! Contact lens check ups are designed to check the condition of the front surface of your eye, and to check the quality of your vision while you are wearing your lenses. A sight test provides you and the optician with greater details on both your vision and the overall eye health.
How often do I need a sight test?
For most people, we advise having a full sight test every two years, however if you wear contact lenses, you will need to have regular check ups in between times. These are annual, but staff in-store will remind you and schedule your appointment in so you only need to attend once a year.