According to the National Health and Medical Research Council, nearly half of all Australians have some degree of myopia. That number increases when you consider that most people under 40 don’t visit an optometrist regularly. If you have trouble seeing objects that are far away, there’s no need to suffer in silence.
Visit an optometrist Melbourne for a comprehensive eye examination and affordable solutions to your vision problems. Here are eight facts about eye health and the importance of visiting an optometrist in Melbourne that may convince you to make an appointment today!
Table of Contents
Do You Need a Pair of Glasses?
Did you know that up to 3% of the population has some degree of astigmatism? Astigmatism is a condition that distorts your vision, typically to where one can see objects either close up or far away but not both. If you have astigmatism, you may need a new pair of glasses.
Only 1% of the world’s population needs glasses on a regular basis. Nearsightedness is the most common cause of needing glasses and affects 2/3rds of those who need glasses.
Choosing the Right Frames
Some people have a difficult time picking out frames because they do not know the different styles or what is best for their face shape. This is where an optometrist can help you pick the perfect frame for your needs. They will spend time examining and looking at your eyes and then find the most appropriate frame to suit you.
When you visit an optometrist, they are able to make professional suggestions on which type of lenses would work best for your lifestyle. This could be based on their general impression of what you need, or if they have any concerns with eye-related health issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism.
No Time to Shop?
Glasses are more expensive than you think. A pair of glasses could cost between $150-$200 at the cheapest and up to $600+ dollars for designer frames. Additionally, replacement lenses can run as high as $150+ per pair, so it’s worth considering the additional expense of a quality frame when making your selection.
Your prescription can change over time and by wearing eyeglasses with prescription lenses that don’t match your prescription you could experience issues such as blurred vision, headaches, or eye strain. Not only does it help maintain the health of your eyesight but it will also allow you to get the most out of your glasses and feel better about how you look wearing them!
Which Vision Insurance Is Best?
If you have insurance from your employer, most likely you will have a vision coverage plan that is part of the plan. There are many different insurance companies for employer-based healthcare and it may vary.
Most insurances cover up to 90% of an exam, frames, and lenses. Some people go with a budget frame but others want something better or more expensive. A person needs to make a decision on what they want and what they need when choosing frames that they like.
Going to Your Eye Test
When it comes to your eye health, getting a yearly eye test is the best thing you can do. It’s quick and painless, and your optometrist will be able to provide you with updated glasses prescriptions or other corrective lenses as necessary.
Even if you don’t notice any vision changes, it’s still worth having the exam. Your optometrist can also provide information on other issues that can affect your vision like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Knowing What’s Wrong With Your Eyes
Ophthalmologists, or eye doctors, can help detect vision-threatening diseases. And it’s not just because they are experts on eye health and vision! Your optometrist has a special lens that helps see certain things the naked eye might not see. If you think something is wrong with your eyes but aren’t sure how to tell, ask your optometrist to use their lens and they will be able to help you better understand what is going on.
Most likely, you don’t need corrective lenses from your eyeglasses store unless you have problems reading print at arm’s length. Still, concerned? Bring your glasses with you when visiting the optometrist for a check-up.
Regular Eye Exams Aren’t Enough – Have Them Every Six Months
Regular eye exams are just the beginning of maintaining good eye health. Other factors like medications, allergies, diet, and environmental conditions can put a lot of stress on your eyes too. That’s why it’s important to have regular eye exams but also have them every six months instead of every year.
Some experts recommend that adults have their first exam before they turn 40 and then continue to have one eye exam every year after that age. Others say that adults should only need their first annual exam at 45 or 50 years old and have regular eye exams thereafter. It all depends on the condition of your eyes or any pre-existing health issues you may have too.
The Importance of Eye Health
An estimated 10-12% of people, or 3.2 billion people worldwide, suffer from some form of visual impairment, and 20/20 vision is now considered as having a low level of acuity. It can happen to anybody at any age and there are three stages to eye health decline: presbyopia, macular degeneration, and retinal dystrophy.
This doesn’t just affect your sight; it can have serious consequences on the everyday lives of those affected by visual impairments including work, play, and personal relationships.
Conclusion
If you suffer from any of the following: dry eyes, sensitivity to light, headache, and lack of focus, it may be time to visit your optometrist Melbourne today. Although they are quite common and generally don’t have long-term effects, they can cause discomfort. Not only will an optometrist give you a thorough examination and discuss treatment options, but you’ll also get expert insight into the latest trends in eyewear fashion! At the end of the day, what’s more, important than your health?
