Let's Get Your Eyes Checked

Most people are familiar with general health check-ups, such as measuring blood pressure, blood tests, chest X-rays, and physical exams by a physician.
However, few understand the importance of having their eye health evaluated by an ophthalmologist unless they or a family member develop an eye disease.

Many people assume their eyes are fine as long as their vision is still good. This is a common misconception because some eye diseases develop silently without initial symptoms, especially chronic glaucoma in individuals aged 40 and over. Eye examinations can be performed at any age; you don't need to wait until you are older.

Many abnormalities are discovered by chance, such as glaucoma or refractive errors that the patient was unaware of because they had never tested their vision by closing one eye at a time.

What Does an Ophthalmologist Examine?

Visual Acuity: Testing vision in each eye separately. If abnormal, the cause is determined—whether it is a refractive error requiring glasses or a disease requiring medical treatment.
Intraocular Pressure (IOP): For those aged 35 and up, or those who frequently use steroid eye drops, pressure must be measured to screen for glaucoma.
Anterior Segment: Checking the clarity of the cornea and lens to detect inflammation or cataracts.
Retina and Optic Nerve: For patients with systemic diseases or those on long-term medication, the doctor checks for complications affecting the retina or optic nerve head. This is common for patients with diabetes, hypertension, or those taking certain allergy or anti-tuberculosis medications.
Visual Field: In cases of brain tumors, strokes, or glaucoma, the visual field may be narrower than normal.
Tear System: For those with dry or excessively watery eyes, the doctor examines whether the tear ducts are blocked or inflamed.

Who Should Have an Eye Examination?

Preschool and School-aged Children:
Vision and eye muscles should be checked to see if glasses are needed.
Children in this age group often don't realize their vision is abnormal and may not tell their parents, leading to learning difficulties, squinting, or frequent headaches.
Those with Eye Symptoms:
Such as eye pain, frequent headaches, blurred vision, red eyes, double vision, or excessive tearing. A detailed exam can reveal hidden conditions like glaucoma or cataracts.
Those with a Family History of Glaucoma:
Or those with a family member who went blind for unknown reasons. Glaucoma can be hereditary. Individuals over 35 in this group should have their eye pressure and optic nerves checked.
Individuals Aged 40 and Over:
People in this age range often begin needing reading glasses. However, they also have a 1% chance of developing glaucoma. You should consult an ophthalmologist for a full exam before simply buying reading glasses.
Those with High Myopia (Nearsightedness) or Hyperopia (Farsightedness):
High myopia increases the risk of chronic glaucoma and retinal tears. High hyperopia increases the risk of angle-closure glaucoma. Annual exams are vital for these groups.
People with Chronic Systemic Diseases:
Such as diabetes or hypertension. Long-term diabetics, even those with good blood sugar control, can develop complications. An annual eye exam is required, or more frequent checks as recommended by an ophthalmologist if diabetic retinopathy is detected.
Users of Long-term Medications:
Such as steroids for allergies (risk of cataracts and glaucoma), Chloroquine for arthritis (risk of macular degeneration), or certain anti-tuberculosis drugs that can cause optic nerve inflammation.
Regular Contact Lens Wearers:
Should be examined every 3 months to check for conjunctival inflammation. If found, lens use may be suspended until fully treated to prevent corneal ulcers.
Current Eyeglass Wearers:
Should have their eyes re-examined periodically as their current prescription may no longer be accurate for their current eye condition.

When undergoing an eye exam, you must provide a full history of systemic diseases and all medications (oral and eye drops), whether prescribed or over-the-counter. Certain medications significantly affect eye pressure.
This information is essential for the doctor to provide an accurate evaluation and the most appropriate treatment.

"The eyes are the windows to the soul," and they are also the windows to your systemic health. Please prioritize your eye health check-ups.