Eye Tests FAQs

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be glasses free but have been concerned about the whole process and never tried. Well now is the perfect time. With many different types of materials and lens designs available, contact lenses are now a comfortable and safe option for most people.

Regular eye examinations are important as it is also a health check for your eyes. Sight tests can pick up on early signs of eye conditions before you can be aware of the symptoms. Some of these include; Diabetes, Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma.

Eye examinations can enable the optician to make sure you are getting maximum clarity from your spectacles. Your eye test will show if you need to get glasses for the first time or a change of prescription in your current glasses.

We recommend that you have your eye examination at least every two years. We may advise more regular eye examinations if you have any eye conditions or have a family history of eye conditions.

Even if you don’t need glasses or contact lenses we still recommend regular eye exams to check your eye health. Regular eye examinations are important as they can pick up on early signs of eye conditions before you can be aware of the symptoms. Some of these include; Diabetes, Macular Degeneration and Glaucoma.

Children can have their eyes tested at any age. We recommend that an optician sees your child before they start at school as any vision problems may affect your child’s learning.
The earlier a problem is detected there is more chance of successful treatment. Childrens eyes are fully developed by the time they are 8 years old. It is very important that any problems are detected before then.

Cataract is a very common eye condition and are cloudy patches in the lens that make vision blurry. Over time the cloudy patches become bigger and the patients sight will be more affected as less light is able to pass through the lens.

Glaucoma occurs when the drainage tubes in the eye become slightly blocked. This prevents eye fluid from draining properly. When the fluid cannot drain properly pressure builds causing raised intraocular pressure. This can damage the optic nerve and the nerve fibres from the retina and will affect your peripheral vision.

Age-Related Macula Degeneration is a painless eye condition that leads to the gradual loss of central vision. Age-Related Macula Degeneration is a painless eye condition that leads to the gradual loss of central vision.

Diabetes can affect your sight because blood vessels in the retina can become blocked or leaky, or can grow haphazardly.This damages the retina and stops it from working.

If you think there has been a sudden change in your vision or you are experiencing any visual distortions, such as tunnel vision or flashing lights please ring your GP or one of our practices as soon as possible. It may not be anything to worry about but should be investigated just incase.

New technology in contact lenses means there is now a wide variety of lenses available. You can now get contact lenses for a variety of prescription requirements ranging from high powered prescriptions to astigmatism. There are even contact lenses that correct both distance and near vision in one lens just like varifocals.

Yes. You should make an appointment to have your eyes tested as frequently as your optician recommends. If you have diabetes you are susceptible to certain eye conditions which your optician will test for and to make sure your eyes are healthy. If you have diabetes all of your eye examinations will be free under the NHS.

There are a number of different options available when choosing a new pair of glasses. Depending on prescriptions we will offer you cosmetically and financially the best quality of lenses for you. Our dispensing staff will help you choose the perfect pair of glasses to suit your needs. Just call into one of our practices and talk to a member of our staff.