Eye check-up: how often should I go?

The eyes are ranked as two of the most delicate organs in the entire human body. In addition to this, since a significant portion of our eyeballs are exposed, they are also among the most vulnerable organs. It is enough to point out these simple facts to understand how important it is to work towards our visual health, don't you think?

As one of our five senses, sight allows us to capture and interpret an endless number of stimuli in the form of light rays. This facilitates spatial location and helps us interact more effectively with our environment. However, to ensure the well-being of our eyes, we must practice certain preventive measures.

Each individual has the option of creating healthy habits that contribute to ocular integrity. However, nothing is more effective than the services of a professional in this regard. Checking our eyes regularly can help us avoid any inconvenience and ensure a better quality of life.

At Optica Bassol we explain why it is important to have an ophthalmological check-up and how often you should repeat this process. Keep reading!

What is ophthalmology and what does it do?

The word "ophthalmology" comes from Greek and means "science of the eyes". Ophthalmology is a medical-surgical specialty, focused on the study and treatment of a wide variety of eye diseases.

An ophthalmologist has an in-depth understanding of the structure and function of the entire ocular system. This system includes the muscles that facilitate the movement of our eyes, the eyelids, the tear ducts and even the connection of sight with the brain.

Modern ophthalmology has the means to treat conditions ranging from astigmatism and amblyopia to cataracts and macular degeneration.

As you can see, the range of expertise of an ophthalmologist can be very broad. By attending an ophthalmologic check-up you can be confident that your eyes are in good hands.

Would you like to read more? Visit the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) website.

What does an eye exam consist of?

Many low-risk eye conditions can be prevented with just an eye exam. In fact, it is now possible to slow the development of several degenerative eye diseases if they are diagnosed early.

Through an eye examination it is possible to detect eye pathologies at an early stage and act to correct them. Such is the case of diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.

Ophthalmological tests not only allow us to prevent or delay vision loss. Even if it's a mild condition, having a checkup with your eye doctor could significantly improve your quality of life.

Common conditions such as astigmatism and nearsightedness can cause considerable discomfort. When our eyes have difficulties, this can manifest itself in headaches, fatigue and other symptoms.

How often should you have your eyes checked?

The regularity with which you should have your eyes checked depends on a number of factors. As obvious as it may seem, the best way to know how often you should have your eyes checked is to see an ophthalmologist. That said, in general terms, health specialists recommend getting an eye exam on an annual basis.

Here are some tips given by eye doctors according to the age of each individual.

Newborns and infants

In the case of newborn babies, specialists suggest a careful ophthalmologic examination during the first 24 months of life. This procedure becomes even more urgent if the baby is born prematurely or with low birth weight.

Likewise, if your little boy or girl has already turned three, it is the right time to take him or her to the ophthalmologist again. At this age, children begin to recognize shapes and colors more accurately. Thus, it is a key stage for the infant's ocular development.

Then, between the ages of three and twelve, it is recommended that your children be seen by an ophthalmologist on a regular basis.

Adolescents and young adults

Teens and young adults should also have an eye exam every two years. After all, as they approach sexual maturity, the body undergoes a series of dramatic changes. Some eye conditions only manifest themselves during this developmental period.

Adults over 40 years of age

Finally, adults who have passed the 40-year mark should pay special attention to their eye health. It is at this point that presbyopia symptoms usually begin and problems with intraocular pressure are experienced.

Older adults also tend to suffer from considerable deterioration in the crystalline lens, which causes so-called "cataracts." Fortunately, this condition can be overcome with the help of an expert.

If you are part of this group, it is a good idea to schedule an ophthalmologic checkup at least every year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Despite being such an important medical science and a popular profession, there is still a lot of ignorance regarding ophthalmology. With this in mind, at Optica Bassol we have gathered three of the most common doubts related to the subject. Below are the answers to these questions.

What is the difference between optometrist, oculist and ophthalmologist?

We often use these terms as interchangeable synonyms, however, this is not entirely appropriate. While all of these words refer to a professional who specializes in the study of the eyes, there are slight differences. Let us explain what each branch of eye health does.

Optometry: a non-medical health science

"Optometry" is a word of Greek origin, which is composed of the word "eye" and the term "measure". An optometrist is responsible for primary eye health care, which he or she accomplishes by applying different preventive, diagnostic and rehabilitative measures.

An optometrist is able to determine a person's visual perception index and diagnose different eye disorders. Likewise, these professionals are usually in charge of prescribing different formulas for corrective glasses.

Although not part of medicine, optometry is still a science and a discipline of great importance. In fact, optometry and ophthalmology often complement each other.

Oculist and ophthalmologist: are they the same?

Okay, we have already made it clear that optometry is a separate science and should not be used as a synonym for ophthalmology. However, in the case of the word "oculist" and the word "ophthalmologist", things are different. These terms are used to refer to the same profession.

Of course, the practices and notions of this science may differ slightly from nation to nation. Perhaps because of this and because of language barriers, some point to them as different disciplines.

As mentioned at the beginning, ophthalmology is a medical science whose objective goes far beyond measurement. An ophthalmologist or oculist studies the visual system in all its magnitude and is able to intervene in it surgically if necessary. It is a very rigorous profession, which seeks to prevent, correct or delay various eye diseases.

Where can I have an eye exam?

Now that you know what an eye examination consists of and how important it is to undergo one regularly, you may be interested in knowing where they offer this service. Well, don't worry, because finding an eye doctor's office is relatively easy. In fact, most public and private clinics offer eye care as part of their services.

Likewise, if you prefer to start with a slightly simpler eye exam, you can turn to an optometrist. Optica Bassol has several locations equipped with the best optometry professionals and equipment, find a location near you and schedule your appointment!

What are the most common eye conditions?

According to the National Eye Institute (NEI), color blindness, amblyopia and astigmatism are some of the most common eye conditions. Age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and diabetic retinopathy are also on the list. To learn more about these and any other eye conditions, visit the NEI web portal.

We also invite you to visit our Blog, where you'll find all kinds of useful information. Stay on the cutting edge of fashion, choose the glasses that best complement your features and learn about eye health.

How recommended are contact lenses?

This is not directly linked to the importance of getting regular eye exams. However, it is one of the most common questions that arise in the world of eye health. The controversy regarding the effectiveness and safety of wearing contact lenses is a fact that cannot be overlooked.

Contact lenses are corrective tools developed and approved by ophthalmologists. These contact lenses offer a much more comfortable and versatile alternative for a large number of individuals. They can be used for safety reasons by competitive athletes or for aesthetic reasons. In general, they are a perfectly valid option.

The risks associated with contact lenses have to do with different factors. On the one hand, the materials and manufacturing process of contact lenses is very important. In addition to this, the individual's personal hygiene measures also play a role. Finally, certain ocular conditions prevent the proper use of these products.

Want to replace your glasses with contact lenses? The best thing to do is to consult an ophthalmologist. See? Now you have another good reason to have an ophthalmologic checkup. If you have already been oriented by a professional and are looking for good contact lenses, we invite you to take a look at our offers.

Take a look at our catalog

After an eye examination, your ophthalmologist may recommend that you wear corrective lenses. If so, keep in mind that glasses don't have to be uncomfortable or ruin your style. In fact, you can wear them as a complement to your own personality and make them part of your image. At Optica Bassol we are here to help you with that.

Visit our Official Portal and discover the best deals on prescription glasses and sunglasses. Explore our catalog of brands, with hundreds of frames to choose from. Use our search filters to find the perfect model in a matter of seconds.

You can sort the results according to different criteria, from price to color. Specify if you want to find a model for men, women or children, what type of frame you like the most, among other options.

In Optica Bassol we have a shipping system thanks to which you will receive your glasses in just 24 hours. What are you waiting for to give your eyes the care and prominence they deserve?