Natural changes in our eyesight often mean that many of us will become reliant on glasses or contact lenses over time. But that’s not the only thing we need to worry about as we get older, as it becomes increasingly likely that other eye health issues and problems may arise.

Poor vision can be frustrating for many reasons, not least because it makes daily life harder. It can put us at risk of accidents around the home and affect our ability to get out and about, especially for those of us who rely on driving.

This is why it’s important to attend regular eye examinations, usually once every two years. From weakening vision to more serious eye diseases, regular eye tests can help you to stay on top of your overall eye health and identify any potential problems as early as possible.

Booking your appointment

Of course, with various restrictions presently in place across the country, thinking about booking any kind of appointment can feel like a nightmare. Many high street opticians have modified their usual operations in recent weeks to continue providing regular eye examinations under strict hygiene and distancing rules.

Unfortunately, this means it’s unlikely you’ll be able to just pop into your local branch whenever you feel like. Instead, you may need to call your local branch directly or go online to book a timeslot, following their health advice and guidance when you arrive for your appointment.

Keep on top of potential problems

Eye tests don’t just measure the clarity of your vision, but they also double up as an important health check on your eyes to look for symptoms of common diseases. Conditions like glaucoma, cataracts and macular degeneration are more common in older people, with warning signs that can be detected quite early with regular check-ups.

However, the coronavirus pandemic has understandably made many people feel concerns over going to hospital or to see their GP. It’s vital to keep up with regular appointments – especially for those with existing issues – so that an optician can run those all-important health checks and carry out any necessary treatments.
 

You can find out more about the importance of eye health as you get older by checking out this handy guide on the Age UK website. Remember to keep up with regular eye checks – even under current circumstances – to ensure any potential problems don’t become worse.