• SHOP LOCATED AT TWEED HEADS GOLD COAST, QLD.

You don’t need glasses? You still need an eye test

appointment

Whether you need glasses or not, an annual routine eye examination is important for checking the overall health of your eyes. An optometrist can often diagnose many eye conditions and disease well before you will notice any symptoms.

During an eye examination, your optometrist will check muscle movement and how well your eyes work together. They will use an eye chart to check how well you can see. Your peripheral vision will be tested as well as your pupils reaction to light. Eye pressure is also checked, as abnormal pressure can indicate glaucoma.

Sometimes your optometrist may be required to dilate your pupils for a more thorough investigation of the internals and back of the eye. Dilating drops will make you sensitive to light, and create some blur which will gradually wear off over 3-4 hours.

Eye conditions such as glaucoma and macular degeneration can creep up on you without any noticeable symptoms. Early treatment is important to maintaining optimum vision and reducing or stopping progress of the disease.

So if you think it’s been more than two years since your last eye test, call today and make an appointment. You only have one set of eyes, look after them.

 

 

Diabetes and Eyes

diabetes-image

People with diabetes have a greater risk of developing eye complications due to high blood sugar levels, however early detection and optimal management can prevent up to 98% of vision loss.

How can Diabetes affect your eyes?
People with diabetes are more likely to develop cataracts at a younger age and are twice as likely to develop glaucoma as are non-diabetics. The primary vision problem caused by diabetes is diabetic retinopathy.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?
Diabetic retinopathy is retinopathy (damage to the retina) caused by complications of diabetes, which can eventually lead to blindness.
The retina is the light-sensitive lining at the back of the eye which enables us to see. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when elevated blood glucose levels damage the small blood vessels of the retina, causing them to weaken and become more susceptible to blockages. This can lead to blood leakage, swelling and reduced oxygen supply in the retina.

What are some common symptoms and early warning signs?
Common symptoms and early warning signs include blurred vision, sensitivity to light, distorted vision, poor night vision, dim vision, loss of vision, and floating spots in your vision.

Can eye complications due to Diabetes be treated? 
At present there is no cure for diabetes, but early detection and optimal management are essential in reducing your risk of eye complications.

How can I reduce my risk?
The good news is that while the risk of developing retinopathy is present, maintaining your blood sugar levels within the recommended range, adopting a healthy lifestyle and having your eyes tested regularly can reduce your risk by up to 58%.