An optometrist is warning that having 20/20 eyesight does not guarantee your eyes are entirely healthy, as several serious eye conditions can develop before they affect vision — and the damage can prove irreversible.
Purvi Thomson, head of optometry at eye clinic OCL Vision, said: "One of the most dangerous misconceptions about eye health is that clear vision means everything is healthy. You can read the smallest line on an eye chart and still have an eye condition beginning in the background. Some diseases develop slowly enough that the brain adapts to the changes, so the person may not notice what they are losing."
Millions missing routine vision tests
Fresh research from Eye Health UK has disclosed that over 14 million people are missing their routine vision tests. An optometrist does not merely assess whether you require glasses — they examine the overall health of your eyes and can detect damage occurring before you have become aware of it.
One of the most crucial examples of this is glaucoma, as it progresses gradually and can inflict substantial damage before you become aware of it.
Thomson explained: "Glaucoma is sometimes described as a silent thief of sight because early damage frequently causes no pain or obvious blurring. Sight already lost to glaucoma cannot usually be restored, but treatment can help protect the vision that remains. That is why detecting it before symptoms become noticeable is so valuable."
Subtle changes linked to other health concerns
Routine eye examinations can also identify subtle changes that may be linked to cataracts, retinal conditions and broader health concerns.
Thomson said: "Do not wait until words become blurry or driving becomes difficult. If your last test was more than two years ago, arrange one even if your sight appears unchanged. People with diabetes, a close family history of glaucoma or other established risk factors should follow the testing schedule recommended by their healthcare professional."
Sudden symptoms that need an eye appointment immediately include loss of vision, a dark curtain or shadow across vision, a sudden increase in eye flashes or floaters, and painful red eyes.
Thomson added: "Most eye-test results will not reveal anything frightening. The purpose is to spot a problem early, when there is often more that can be done to protect somebody's sight."
