As people age, various things can adversely affect their eyesight. The risk of developing ailments like glaucoma goes up as one gets older, for instance.
Fortunately, a fair number of the ailments that affect the eyes are treatable or even preventable. This means that regular eye checkups become progressively more important as you get older. If you identify the problem sooner, you can deal with it earlier, before the condition becomes irreversible.
When it comes to essential eye screening, there are several examinations that are commonly performed to assess the health of your eyes. All of these help doctors detect and diagnose various eye conditions and problems.
Today, we’ll share some of the key examinations you may need and the signs to look out for when it comes to your eye health.
What it does: Checks the quality of your vision at different distances
Who should get it: Everyone
This is one of the basic tests that show up in routine eye examinations as well as comprehensive eye screening packages.
The doctor typically checks whether you need some correction to your vision by looking for blurriness at certain distances. It is most often performed before getting a prescription for glasses or to check for nearsightedness or farsightedness.
What it does: Checks intraocular pressure (the amount of pressure in your eye)
Who should get it: Anyone who may have a high chance of developing glaucoma, e.g. those with a family history of it
This is an important exam for those who may be at risk of developing glaucoma, especially as the impact from the condition cannot be reversed, only prevented or managed.
The earlier glaucoma is diagnosed, the better for the patient!
A high pressure of the eye is generally correlated with glaucoma.
What it does: Identifies lens prescriptions
Who should get it: Anyone who needs visual correction aids like eyeglasses or lenses
This is another extremely common test, typically given before you get new prescription glasses or contact lenses.
Individuals who have problems with their eyesight, whether due to blurriness in their vision or something like nearsightedness, will usually have this test done.
What it does: Checks the front parts of the eye such as the lens, cornea, and iris
Who should get it: People suffering from various discomforts, including eye redness and strain
Slit-lamp examinations are tests done to see if there are abnormalities in the eye. This is a magnifying equipment with light. It allows the eye doctor to diagnose many different eye problems.
What it does: Checks if the red reflex produced by your eye is clear
Who should get it: Anyone with poor vision
This test is typically performed on infants and other young patients in order to check if they have ocular abnormalities. The doctor looks for signs like cloudy pupils or dim red reflex to see if the child has an eye problem that may need further treatment.
What it does: Checks the retina and optic disc for problems like glaucoma
Who should get it: Anyone whose doctor wants to rule out retina problems
This test is often done for people suspected of suffering conditions that adversely affect either the optic nerve or retina. It is commonly done for people with diabetes (as diabetes can cause bleeding in the retina) and floaters (as this can cause retina tear and detachment).
What it does: Checks the thickness of the cornea
Who should get it: Anyone who has or is at risk of corneal diseases
This exam is an important one for both diagnosing and managing various corneal ailments. This test is a must to determine if you are suitable for LASIK.
What it does: Checks your field of vision
Who should get it: Anyone who may be suffering reduced peripheral vision or who may be at risk for glaucoma
Glaucoma and a few other eye conditions often manifest early on through the loss of peripheral vision. This exam checks if a patient’s peripheral vision is abnormal or has blind spots, which can help diagnose these eye conditions.
What it does: Checks the lubrication of the eyes
Who should get it: Anyone suffering from dry, itchy, or even watery eyes
This exam is for people who have issues with eye lubrication, whether there’s too much of it or too little. It’s typically done when a person complains of dry eyes, a gritty sensation in the eyes, burning or red eyes.
Among other things, it can be used to diagnose dry eye syndrome, as well as abnormalities in the tear ducts and glands.
What it does: Checks for problems with colour vision
Who should get it: Anyone who may have abnormalities in their colour vision
Colour-blindness and other issues with colour can be checked with this test. It is commonly done for people applying for certain jobs and to assess fitness to drive.
The eye tests we listed above are just a few of the many that you can get. The specific tests that may be best for a person depend on various circumstances.
Speak to one of our ophthalmologists to find out what evaluations may be needed in your situation. We can even provide an eye screening package in Singapore if this is relevant to your situation.
This can help with early detection and treatment of conditions, as well as ensure you keep your vision as healthy as possible well into the future. Call us to enquire or book an appointment for an eye screening today!