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Why are annual eye checks necessary?

Most of us get our car serviced annually to make sure it runs smoothly. We also visit a dentist regularly to get our teeth cleaned. But how many of us get our eyes checked each year?

Many people wait until they notice a change in their vision to see an optometrist or ophthalmologist. But eye problems are often silent – meaning they have no symptoms, and this can be dangerous to the person who is waiting to see a change.

Recent study found that one in four adults haven’t had an eye exam in the past two years, and the same proportion was unaware that an eye exam could prevent them from losing their sight. Even if you’ve had laser vision surgery or have naturally good vision, you still need an annual eye exam.

It is also important to note that contact lenses are medical devices and scripts are only valid for one year, so it is really important that contact lens wearers get their eye’s checked yearly to ensure healthy corneas.

Regular eye exams are also important for children.

Children from the age of 3 -5 should have yearly exams to pick up amblyopia (lazy eyes), myopia (shortsightedness), hyperopia(farsightedness) and astigmatism.

Children from 6 to 18 should have yearly eye exams to monitor any deterioration in vision.