Routine Eye Examination

The eye is a vital organ, so precious and it deserves our proper attention. Eye examinations are an important part of health maintenance for everyone. Adults should have their eyes tested to keep their prescriptions current and to check for early signs of eye disease. And eye exams for children play an important role in ensuring normal vision development and academic achievement of all kids. Vision is closely linked to the learning process. Children with undetected vision problems often will have trouble with their schoolwork. Many times, children will not complain of vision problems simply because they don't know what "normal" vision looks like.

If your child is performing poorly at school, be sure to have his or her eyes examined by an eye doctor who specializes in children's vision to rule out an underlying visual cause.

The following are signs of eye problems

1. Unusual trouble adjusting to dark rooms;
2. Difficulty focusing on near or distant objects;
3. Squinting or blinking due to unusual sensitivity to light or glare;
4. Change in colour of iris;
5. Red-rimmed, encrusted or swollen lids;
6. Recurrent pain in or around eyes;
7. Double vision;
8. Dark spot at the center of viewing;
9. Lines and edges appear distorted or wavy;
10. Excess tearing or “watery eyes”;
11. Dry eyes with itching or burning; and
12. Seeing spots, ghost-like images.

The following may indicate a possible serious eye problem that may require emergency medical attention:

1. Sudden loss of vision of one eye;
2. Sudden hazy or blurred vision;
3. Flashes of light or black spots;
4. Halos or rainbows around light;
5. Curtain-like blotting out of vision; and
6. Loss of peripheral (side) vision.

 Conclusion:

It is important to have regular eye examinations, even if you do not have signs of any problems. Regularly eye exam are especially important for individuals who have chronic health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Early detection and treatment of an eye problem can be the key to preventing loss of vision.

If you notice any of the above-mentioned changes in your eyesight or the appearance of your eyes, it is important to have these checked out by an eye doctor.

Dr. Felix Olafisoye

Instructor, Eye Health