We are often considerate when it comes to taking care of our health and making sure our body is tested from time to time but when it comes to the eyes we often wait to get it tested until it starts bothering us.
We neglect it without realising that our eyes are just as crucial and require the same kind of attention in the form of regular and frequent check ups with the eye doctor. It is important to schedule regular eye exams, including a retina check, as part of maintaining overall eye health.
What is a retina test? And the importance of a routine retina test.
Your ophthalmologist can examine the structures in the back of the eye during a retina exam. Your pupils are dilated using an eyedrop. Your retina specialist will use a strong light and a microscope to examine the blood vessels, retina, and optic nerve. It assists in identifying eye issues in their earlier stages, when they are still curable.
According to the World Health Organization, a staggering 80% of blindness is preventable. As a result, by neglecting routine exams with the eye doctor, you may be missing important warning signs that might help you preserve your eyesight.
The retina is the most delicate structure at the back of the eye which can develop holes or tears due to high myopia and can cause retinal detachment which in turn can lead to blindness. Some symptoms which indicate poor or dwindling retinal health are flashes of light and floaters which appear as black shadows or a bunch of hair or mosquitoes that move around when one moves the eye.
It is very important to recognise these symptoms and meet your ophthalmologist to diagnose any retinal disease and treat it promptly to avoid permanent damage to vision.
When is it crucial to get a Retina Check up?
If you have any symptoms such as:
- Blurry vision: Loss of sharpness causes an object to appear hazy and blurry due to blurry eyesight. Blurred vision can be caused by a variety of things, but it can also be a sign of more serious eye issues.
- Floaters: It is best to seek immediate assistance from an eye doctor if you are experiencing flashes of light or vision disruptions that appear to move across your eyes. These disturbances may be the result of a serious condition like a detached retina or retinal holes.
- Night Blindness: It’s time to get your eyes checked if you have trouble seeing well at night, which was previously nonexistent. Even if it doesn’t hurt, it could cause eye issues.
- Diabetes/ High blood pressure/ Diabetic retinopathy: Additionally, if you have a pre-existing condition such as diabetes, it is important to schedule regular eye exams as recommended by your eye doctor to monitor for any changes in your retina.
In any of the above mentioned scenarios, it is important to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible. Retinal diseases can go unnoticed for long because they do not show symptoms in the beginning. So it is important to be more mindful and regular with your eye check ups.
To know more, book an appointment with Doctor Eye Institute today!
