There are a number of steps that you can take to reduce your risk of developing serious eye problems. Read on to find out what these steps are.
Inform your optometrist of any significant health conditions that you develop
If you develop any significant health conditions (i.e. conditions which require medication or regular treatment), it is very important to tell an eye doctor about these conditions during your next appointment.
There are several types of health issues that can have an impact on your eyes.
For example, if you suffer from high blood pressure, you may be at increased risk of developing glaucoma (a disease which can lead to optic nerve damage and vision loss).
However, if you tell your optometrist that you are having blood pressure problems, they can make a note of this on your patient records and arrange for you to have additional check-ups to test for this eye condition.
This will ensure that, should you begin to develop the early warning signs of glaucoma, your optometrist can refer you for treatment before the disease begins to affect your vision.
Similarly, if you have been diagnosed with arthritis and have been prescribed corticosteroids to help reduce your inflammation levels, you should mention this to your eye doctor, as corticosteroids are known to increase a person's chances of developing cataracts (this is where the eye's lens becomes clouded to the point where it eventually causes vision loss).
Your optometrist can then increase the frequency of your eye tests so that they can identify the formation of cataracts and treat them before they start to compromise your vision.
Act quickly if you notice changes in your vision
Acting quickly if you notice any changes in your vision could significantly reduce your risk of developing major eye health issues.
Visiting your eye doctor promptly when your eyesight changes can enable them to treat the issue before it begins to evolve into a far more serious problem.
For example, if you develop diabetic macular oedema (a condition that causes fluid to accumulate in the eye's macula) as a result of diabetes, going to the optometrist as soon as you notice the first sign of this condition (i.e. blurred vision) could help to prevent it from worsening to the point where you develop permanent vision problems.
In this situation, your optometrist may refer you to an ophthalmologist, who may then provide eye injections which should help to eliminate the inflammation and stabilise your vision.
Share26 April 2018
Hello! Welcome to my blog. My name is Karl and today I would like to introduce you to the subject of looking after your eyesight. For many years, I didn't give my eyes much thought. I always thought that my eyes would look after themselves. However, I got older, I noticed that I found it difficult to read signs at a distance and to make out friends faces as they approached me. My wife suggested that I visit an optometrist and have my eyes checked. I was fitted with glasses which have improved my vision. I hope you enjoy my blog.
