Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about eye health and vision care. Remember, your Optometrist is the best qualified person to answer your questions about your vision!
How do I know if I need an eye examination?
You need an eye examination soon if:
- You frequently have headaches, blurry vision, sore eyes, can’t comfortably read past 20 minutes!
- Your eyes are often red, sore, itchy or gritty.
- It’s over 2 years since your last comprehensive eye examination.
- You wear contact lenses and missed your last annual examination.
- You have, or a close family member has eye disease such as glaucoma, macular degeneration.
- You have been diagnosed with high blood pressure, diabetes, or use longterm cortisone treatment such as for asthma.
Do computers ruin my vision?
Short sightedness (Myopia)
Latest research in slowing myopia (short sightedness) development does however indicate a few minutes up and away from the computer every hour may help to limit the effect of the genes responsible for creating the myopic eye shape.
Genetic inheritance is the primary cause of myopia and astigmatism – not computer use!
Need for reading glasses
About 20% of young people have inherited poor eye muscle co-ordination and need specs for close range work but the unavoidable effects of aging on the inner eye is the main reason we need reading glasses in our 40’s.
Would I be able to tell if I have a sight threatening disease just by looking in the mirror?
No you can’t. Can you tell which eye in this lady’s picture has glaucoma? She couldn’t either. That is why we rely on our instruments to flag changes in your ocular function over time. Early detection of eye disease is critical to our retaining our sight into our old age and 30% of Australians will have retinal disease by the time they are 70. So do the smart thing and return for your eye examination every two years – even if you think you see perfectly.
