Protecting Your Vision: Eye Health Tips for Every Age

How Often Should You Have an Eye Exam?

Many people only see an eye doctor when they have obvious trouble seeing. This misses the point: conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and age-related macular degeneration cause irreversible damage long before symptoms appear.

• Children: first exam before age 3, then before starting school, then every 1–2 years
• Adults 18–40 with no known risk factors: every 2 years
• Adults 40+: every year, especially if you have diabetes or a family history of glaucoma
• Anyone with diabetes: annually from the time of diagnosis

Common Conditions We Screen For

• Refractive errors (short-sightedness, long-sightedness, astigmatism) - corrected with glasses or contact lenses
• Glaucoma - raised eye pressure damaging the optic nerve; no symptoms until advanced
• Diabetic retinopathy - blood vessel damage in the retina from high blood sugar
• Cataracts - clouding of the lens, increasingly common with age
• Dry eye syndrome - discomfort and blurred vision from inadequate tear production

Daily Habits That Protect Your Eyes

• Wear UV-protective sunglasses outdoors
• Follow the 20-20-20 rule when using screens: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
• Eat leafy greens, oily fish, and foods rich in Vitamins A, C, and E
• Control blood sugar and blood pressure - both cause retinal damage
• Do not rub your eyes vigorously
• Remove contact lenses before sleeping

Warning Signs That Need Urgent Attention

• Sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes
• Flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters
• A shadow or curtain appearing in your visual field
• Eye pain with nausea or headache
• Eye injury from a foreign object or chemical

Booking an Eye Test at ClinicRW

Our Ophthalmology department offers comprehensive eye exams, glaucoma screening, diabetic eye checks, and cataract assessment. Whether you need a routine check or are experiencing symptoms, our specialists are here to help protect your vision.