Why it’s important to monitor your vision for changes and what to look out for

Regular eye tests are essential for ensuring that your eyes are in good health. While this applies to everyone, it is particularly crucial for individuals with certain risk factors or existing health conditions such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy or glaucoma. Here’s why it’s important to keep a close watch on your vision and schedule regular eye examinations.

Early detection

Routine eye tests play a pivotal role in the early detection of potential eye problems. While most people are advised to undergo eye exams every 2-3 years, certain factors may necessitate more frequent eye tests. This includes diabetes, advanced age, a family history of eye diseases, and high blood pressure. 

If you notice any changes to your vision or symptoms of eye conditions, it is important to book an eye test. Some signs to look out for include blurry or cloudy vision, straight lines appearing as wavy, reduced side vision, sensitivity to light, or difficulty seeing clearly at night. 

Some eye conditions, such as diabetic retinopathy, may not show symptoms in the early stages, which is why it’s important to have regular eye tests. 

Eye examinations can detect changes in vision and eye health, enabling timely intervention and treatment, which can help to prevent or mitigate vision loss. 

Tracking changes

If you have been diagnosed with an eye condition, monitoring your vision will help to prevent your eye condition from getting worse. 

Glaucoma, for example, is a progressive disease which means that changes to your optic nerve and peripheral vision can happen over time, leading to vision loss. At a follow-up appointment, an eyecare professional will check your eye pressure, your optic nerve, and your peripheral vision to see if there are any changes that you may not have noticed otherwise. 

Individuals who have AMD may use tools like the Amsler Grid to monitor changes in their central vision. An Amsler Grid is typically a printed card with a grid pattern on it, given to patients to take home. Patients are instructed to view the card with their reading glasses on, with one eye at a time and holding it 30cm from their face. Whilst viewing the card with one eye, a patient is asked to look directly at the dot in the middle of the grid and to note if they notice any changes in their vision since they last viewed it such as any new blurriness, wavy or bent lines, or dark, blank, or out of shape areas within the grid. If any changes are noted, the patient should make an urgent appointment with their eye care professional. Individuals with AMD should use an Amsler Grid as recommended by their eye care professional.

Your eyecare provider may also take photographs or scans of your eyes to monitor for changes over time.

Preventing eye disease

Preventing eye disease involves a combination of regular eye exams and adopting healthy lifestyle habits. Apart from scheduling routine eye tests, maintaining a nutritious diet rich in nutrients like vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, can promote eye health and reduce the risk of developing certain eye conditions. Quitting smoking can also significantly decrease your risk of developing various eye diseases, including AMD and cataracts. Additionally, wearing appropriate eye protection, such as sunglasses and safety goggles when participating in activities with potential eye hazards, can help to safeguard against eye injuries and diseases. 

Monitoring your vision for changes is paramount in preserving eye health and preventing vision loss. Whether you have an existing eye condition, or you’re at risk of developing them, being proactive in monitoring your vision and adopting healthy lifestyle habits can significantly reduce the risk of vision loss.