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August07,2022

Everything You Need to Know About Eye Tests

Everything You Need to Know About Eye Tests

As leaders in the vision industry, it is our mission to keep you informed on everything related to eye care and eye health. In this article, we fill you in on everything you need to know about eye tests. Whether it’s your very first time visiting your local optometrist or you’re due for a routine eye check, we’ll be answering some of your most frequently asked questions, so you feel best prepared. From the importance of an eye test and the conditions it can detect to where you can get one for free, read on to learn how you can get ready ahead of your next eyesight test

Why is it important to get your eyes checked regularly?

Regular eye exams are essential in helping individuals maintain good eye health. Not only can an eye test detect any vision correction needs, but it can also detect more serious eye problems or conditions.

Eye tests are generally performed to identify and correct sight problems to help individuals maintain normal 20/20 vision. For this reason, many people attend an eye test when they believe they are suffering from poor eyesight or lazy eyes. However, an eye test does more than tell you what prescription you need. Booking an annual eye exam can ensure the quality of your overall eye health, and since many more serious eye conditions have few symptoms, it’s important to have regular eye tests to detect them early on.

If an individual already wears glasses or contact lenses, then eye tests are particularly important. This is because an annual eye test confirms whether your current lens power is still suitable for your vision needs. In the event that there are any changes in the standard of vision, eye tests are the easiest way to find out if you need to update your prescription and, subsequently, your contact lenses or eyeglasses. 

How often should you get your eyes tested?

There is no minimum age for an eye test. In fact, it is important to keep an eye on your children’s vision and have their eyes checked in case you notice any weakness. Below is our recommended frequency for eye tests per age group.

  • Babies (6 months – 12 months):

 You can book infants for a vision test from when they are 6 months old. If vision problems are detected, then your optometrist will likely advise frequent eye tests to monitor their eyes as they develop.

  • Toddlers & Infants:

For infants, toddlers, and young children whose eyesight is fine, an eye test every 1 to 2 years will suffice unless there are any noticeable changes in their vision. 

  • Teens (below 15 years of age):

Though it is dependent upon the eye condition, an eye test every 3-6 months is recommended at this developmental age. 

  • Adults:

It is recommended that adults book an eye test once a year or sooner if there are any noticeable changes in eyesight or health. 

  • Adults (aged 65+):

Due to the vulnerability of the eyes of people in this age bracket and the increased chances of developing issues with their vision, adults aged 65+ are advised to book an eye test once every year. 

What does an eye exam include? 

It’s normal to feel nervous ahead of your very first eye exam, but if you are taking it at MAGRABi (where the minimum legal age for eye exams is 10), then rest assured that you’re always in the capable hands of our trustworthy eye care professionals. Before beginning the eye test, your optometrist will ask you a few routine questions about your medical history and vision.

Upon starting your eye test, your eye doctor or optometrist will run through a number of eye tests that will assess your eyesight and overall eye health. At MAGRABi, some of the main steps of eye tests you will go through during your eye exam are

  • Pupillary Response Test:

The purpose of a pupillary response test is to measure your pupil’s responsiveness to light. It will also check to see how your eyes react when viewing things close up or at a distance.

  • Slit Lamp Exam:

A slit light exam is conducted by the optometrist using a microscope containing a bright light. This gives the eye care specialist the opportunity to assess the health of the front and inside of the eye.

  • Visual Acuity:

When testing your overall eyesight, a visual acuity test will be performed, which requires reading letters and/or shapes at varying distances to detect vision changes. This will be performed with and without correction.

  • Objective & Subjective Refraction

Objective refraction measures the  refractive error and potential astigmatism of your eyes. This is followed by Subjective Refraction, where the optometrist will use different powers to ask which lens is clearer. This will help him finalize the prescription you require.

You can read more about what you can expect in your first eye test on our blog

What conditions can an eye test detect?

There are many major issues that an eye test can detect aside from sight problems – some being more serious than others. The benefit of having an eye test is to reveal any refractive errors and ocular diseases. By identifying the issue earlier, complications can be reduced, and individuals may maintain 20/20 vision.

How can I book an eye test?

Walk into any MAGRABi store for a specialized eye test, or book an appointment online through magrabi.com. Our eye test is swift and uses the latest technology in the optometry field, and it is offered free of charge if you make any purchase at MAGRABi. 

Different types of eye tests appointments at MAGRABi

  • Professional eye test
  • Checking visual acuity with and without eyeglasses
  • Contact lens fitting and assessment
  • RTA eye test

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