An optometrist has warned that clear vision does not mean your eyes are completely healthy, as several serious eye conditions can develop long before they affect your sight – and the damage may be irreversible.
Purvi Thomson, head of optometry at eye clinic OCL Vision, explained: "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," she added.
Millions skipping routine eye tests
Recent research from Eye Health UK has found that over 14 million Brits are failing to attend their routine vision tests.
An optometrist's role extends far beyond prescribing spectacles – they assess the overall health of your eyes and can identify damage taking place before you've even realised something is wrong.
Glaucoma: the silent thief of sight
Glaucoma stands out as one of the most critical examples of this, as it progresses slowly and can inflict substantial damage before symptoms become apparent.
Purvi noted: "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," she said.
Routine eye examinations can also identify subtle changes potentially linked to cataracts, retinal disorders and broader health concerns.
When to book an eye test
Purvi explained: "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," she added.
Sudden symptoms that need attention include loss of vision, a dark curtain or shadow across vision, sudden increase in eye flashes or floaters, and painful red eyes.
Purvi continued: "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."
