Blog article

Understanding the importance of regular eye exams

By HBF
4 minutes
22 April 2024
Young woman getting eyes tested
Beyond grabbing an updated pair of specs, trips to the optometrists for an eye exam can become few and far between.

In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the reasons regular eye exams are crucial, including for the early detection of eye conditions like glaucoma and cataracts, monitoring eye health, updating prescriptions, and even identifying systemic diseases.

Plus, we’ll cover what to expect during an eye test, and how often you should be visiting your optometrist.

How do our eyes work?

Before we get into the necessity of regular eye exams, it's important to have a basic understanding of how our eyes works.

Light enters your eye through your cornea (the clear dome over your coloured iris) and then travels through your pupil (the black hole in the centre of your iris) and lens (which sits behind your pupil). Together, the cornea and lens focus the light onto your retina, a layer of nerve tissue that includes rods (which identify shapes and movement) and cones (which detect detail and colours)14.

Together, your rods and cones absorb light signals and change them into nerve impulses, which travel along your optic nerve to your brain. Your brain then recognises these nerve impulses as a visual image14. Pretty cool, right?

Why should I get regular eye tests?

What happens during an eye test?

Eye tests are completely painless and typically take just 20 minutes to complete11. You’ll begin your test by answering questions about your general health, informing your optometrist of any family medical history, and, if you’ve brought your existing prescription and glasses1, a focimeter will be used to measure your current prescription12.

Types of eye tests you may undergo include:

How often should I get my eyes tested?

Specsavers optometrist, Karen Walsh, says the best way to maintain optimum eyesight and health is through routine eye checks. Between age 40-60 she recommends having an eye check every two years. After 60 she recommends every year.

“With such equipment and increased knowledge, maintaining good eyesight and health is accessible to all.”

How much do eye test costs?

Medicare subsidises eye tests conducted by optometrists to all Australian citizens and permanent residents. If your optometrist directly bills the government on your behalf, you won't incur any charges (also known as bulk billing).

Under this arrangement, Medicare covers the cost of one eye test every three years for those under 65 and one eye test annually for individuals over 65. If your optometrist doesn't bulk bill, you can still claim some expenses by submitting a claim to Medicare.

It's important to note that Medicare doesn't cover the cost of glasses or contact lenses. However, if you have private health insurance, you may be eligible to claim on these items, depending on your level of cover.


Healthdirect - Eye tests

Healthdirect - Glaucoma

 3Healthdirect - Cataracts

Healthdirect - Macular degeneration

Specsavers - What do I do if I get an eye infection?

Healthdirect - Uveitis

Specsavers - Do I need an eye test?

Optometry Australia - Why your optometrist may be first to diagnose diabetes

The Conversation - How your eyes could help diagnose high blood pressure

10 Cancer Research UK - Tests for eye cancer

11 Specsavers - How long should an eye test take?

12 Specsavers - Your store visit explained

13 Specsavers - What is OCT?

14 Healthdirect - Eyes

 

This article contains general information only and does not take into account the health, personal situation or needs of any person. In conjunction with your GP or treating health care professional, please consider whether the information is suitable for you and your personal circumstances.

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