What Causes Frequent Changes in Lens Prescriptions

Many factors, some expected and some avoidable, can lead to changes in your prescription.

1. Natural Ageing & Presbyopia

As we age, especially in our 40s, the natural lens inside the eye becomes less flexible, making near vision more challenging. This leads to presbyopia, the process that causes many to need reading glasses or multifocals.

Also, the eye’s anatomy changes subtly: the lens thickens, the cornea’s curvature may shift slightly, and the eye’s focusing muscles alter. These small changes can gradually push your prescription numbers.

For more information about your eyes and ageing, read our guide on How To Manage Your Vision As You Age here.

2. Progressive Eye Conditions & Eye Growth

• Children & Teenagers: Eyes are still growing, which often leads to more frequent changes in prescription.
• Myopia Progression: Especially common in younger people, influenced by genetics and visual habits.
• Astigmatism Shifts: Even slight changes in corneal shape can adjust cylinder power or axis.

3. Health Conditions & Systemic Factors

Medical conditions or changes in your body’s internal environment can impact vision:

• Diabetes: High or unstable blood sugar levels can temporarily affect vision by altering the shape or clarity of the lens.
• Hormonal Changes: For example, during pregnancy, menopause, or hormone therapies, temporary vision changes can occur. Our guide to how hormonal changes can affect your vision covers this in more depth.
• Medications: Certain drugs (steroids, antihistamines) can affect ocular pressure, lens shape, or tear film, influencing the effective prescription.

4. Environmental & Lifestyle Factors

• Increased Digital Screen Time: Prolonged near work and screen exposure can cause eye strain and focus fatigue, which may mimic or encourage prescription shifts.
• Poor Lighting or Habitual Posture: Reading in dim light or tilting your head may prompt your eyes to adjust in compensatory ways, which can later be reflected in a new prescription.
• Uncorrected Refractive Error: If you don’t consistently wear your prescribed glasses or contacts, your eyes may adapt in small ways, though this usually doesn’t permanently shift your prescription; it can cause discomfort and fluctuations.

5. Measurement or Testing Variability

Sometimes prescription changes between visits are due to differences in testing conditions:

• Subtle differences in technician testing, refraction technique, lighting, patient fatigue or focus can cause slight variations.
• Your eye’s state at the time (dryness, accommodation, stress) can lead to slight variations in the measured prescription.

Thus, small changes (+/-0.25 diopters) are often within normal test variation, not necessarily indicative of true physiological changes.

What Can You Do If You Have a Sudden Change in Eye Prescription?

If your vision shifts noticeably over a short period, it’s wise to take some deliberate steps rather than simply ordering stronger glasses.

Book a Comprehensive Eye Examination as Soon as Possible

A sudden shift may reflect something more than just a refractive change; your optometrist will also check your ocular health (including retina, pressure, and lens clarity) in addition to refraction. Book an eye test at your nearest D.I. Blow practice.

Share Your Symptoms & Medical History

Inform your optometrist if you’ve had any health changes (diabetes, medications, hormonal shifts) or new symptoms (headaches, flashing lights, floaters).

Allow For an Adaptation Period

If a new prescription is stronger, your eyes may take days to adjust fully. Wear the new glasses consistently, unless they cause discomfort or worsening vision.

Check the Fit & Accuracy of Frames & Lenses

Sometimes distortions arise from misaligned lenses or frame displacement rather than the prescription itself.

Follow Up & Monitor Vision

If changes persist, or the new prescription doesn’t feel right, a re-examination or refinement might be needed.

If Urgent Warning Sights Appear, Act Fast

Sudden vision loss, flashing lights, floaters, or severe pain warrant immediate medical attention beyond routine. Schedule a same-day emergency eye assessment if needed.

Is a Sudden Change in Eye Prescription Something to Worry About?

Most of the time, a prescription shift is routine and benign. But in some cases, it can signal an underlying issue.

When It’s Probably Normal

• Gradual worsening over months rather than days
• Small changes (0.25 or 0.50 dioptres) without other symptoms
• Occurs during expected life phases (e.g. entering your 40s, in youth)
• No accompanying eye health warning signs (pain, flashes, visual distortion)

When You Should Be Concerned & Seek Prompt Attention

• Rapid or large changes in prescription (e.g. 1.0 dioptre or more in weeks)
• Sudden onset of new visual phenomena: flashes, floaters, shadows, veils
• Distortion of straight lines, central vision blur, or blind spots
• Eye pain, redness, sudden vision loss, or trauma

These may indicate retinal issues, glaucoma, lens changes (such as cataracts), macular problems, or vascular issues. Early detection matters; the sooner treated, the better the outcome.

Your eyes change over time; that’s a natural process. However, understanding why your prescription changes, what to do when adjustments occur, and when to seek urgent care is crucial. At D.I. Blow Opticians, we are committed to guiding every client through these changes with expertise, care, and the latest technology. If you’ve recently noticed sudden or persistent changes in your vision, please contact us for a comprehensive assessment. Once you have an updated prescription, a straightforward change can often be turned around fast. See our guide on getting your eye test and glasses on the same day. Stay vigilant, take care of your systemic health, and let us help you maintain clear, comfortable vision across every stage of life.

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The short version: book your eye test with an optometrist, get your glasses fitted by an optician, and you’ll only see an ophthalmologist if you’re referred for a more serious condition. Below, we go through what each role actually involves, the training each one requires, and how to know which one you need.

An Optician

Opticians, known explicitly as dispensing opticians, help fit you for glasses and contact lenses. They aren’t qualified to perform eye tests and can’t write prescriptions for your vision. However, they can read your prescription to ensure you’re provided with appropriate vision correction. Opticians help customers to choose the right type of eyewear for their needs, from selecting lenses with anti-glare coatings to recommending sports goggles for active lifestyles.

Dispensing opticians need to complete a two-year diploma approved by the General Optical Council (GOC) and a one-year work placement, as well as pass their Professional Qualifying Examinations.

An Optometrist

An optometrist, also known as a prescribing optician or ophthalmic optician, can also help fit you for glasses and contact lenses, but they do much more. When you go to have your eyes tested at your local optician’s, it will be an optometrist who carries out the test. They are also trained to check for eye diseases and write the prescription for your vision.

Optometrists need to complete a three-year university degree in optometry approved by the GOC, complete a one-year work placement with a registered optometrist, and pass the GOC final assessment.

Some optometrists who complete the Independent Prescribers qualification can also prescribe a limited number of medications, e.g. antibiotics and steroids, to treat certain eye diseases.

An Ophthalmologist

If your optometrist finds that you have signs of an eye disease, they will refer you to a doctor who specialises in treating the eyes, this is an ophthalmologist. They can help manage or treat any eye disease, as well as eye injuries, and most ophthalmologists also perform eye surgery.

Ophthalmologists need to complete a four- or five-year medical degree, two years of foundation training in a hospital, and then a further seven years of hospital training to specialise in ophthalmology.

If you have an eye condition, you will be referred by your optometrist or GP to see an ophthalmologist who specialises in treating that particular condition. Ophthalmologists subspecialise in different parts of the eye (e.g. medical retina, cornea) or different eye conditions (e.g. glaucoma, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy).

Ophthalmologists provide a wide range of services, including:

• Diagnosing and treating eye conditions
• Surgical procedures
• Prescribing medications
• Comprehensive eye examinations
• Referrals and collaborations
• Management of eye injuries
• Research and training

Which One Do I Need to See?

The type of practitioner you see will depend on your symptoms. Commonly, people will see their local optometrist when they need an eye test or are experiencing problems with their vision or eye health. Your optometrist might then recommend a visit to your GP or refer you to see a specialist.

If your symptoms are more severe, you can still contact your optometrist or GP first, but they might advise that you seek immediate medical assistance from an ophthalmologist.

• If you need new glasses or contact lenses, or if your vision is slightly changing, start with an optometrist. They’ll test, prescribe, and guide.
• If you need help with frame fitting, comfort, style, or adjustment & repair of glasses, a dispensing optician is the right person.
• If your optometrist detects signs of something more serious (eye disease, sudden vision loss, pain, injury), or if you require surgical intervention, you will be referred to an ophthalmologist.

Why This Distinction Matters To You

• Quality of Care: Knowing who does what helps ensure you get the proper care from the right person quickly.
• Specialisation & Expertise: Eye health involves more than just vision correction; diseases can develop with minimal symptoms. Correct diagnosis and treatment by a professional with adequate training is crucial.
• Safety & Regulation: All three roles are regulated in the UK (by GOC for opticians and optometrists; by medical regulatory bodies for ophthalmologists). This helps maintain standards in training, practice, ethics and patient safety. D.I. Blow Opticians ensure we comply with all professional regulatory standards, so whether you are fitted with glasses, undergoing an eye test or referred onward, you’re in safe hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does optometrist mean?

An optometrist is a healthcare professional trained to examine eyes, test vision, detect eye disease, and prescribe glasses or contact lenses. In the UK, this requires a university degree in optometry approved by the General Optical Council (GOC).

What does optician mean?

“Optician” usually refers to a dispensing optician — someone trained to fit and adjust glasses and contact lenses to a prescription. Dispensing opticians don’t carry out eye tests or diagnose eye conditions.

Can opticians prescribe antibiotics?

No — dispensing opticians cannot prescribe any medication. Some optometrists who’ve completed an additional Independent Prescriber qualification can prescribe a limited range of medications, including certain antibiotics and steroids, to treat specific eye conditions.

Are opticians or optometrists doctors?

No. Neither holds a medical degree. Ophthalmologists are the only one of the three who are medical doctors, having completed a full medical degree plus specialist eye training.

While the titles optician, optometrist, and ophthalmologist might seem confusing, each has a clearly defined role in eye care. Opticians focus on eyewear, optometrists on vision and disease detection, and ophthalmologists on medical and surgical treatment. Understanding the differences empowers you to seek the right specialist when needed, know what services to expect, and trust the care you receive.

If your eyesight affects your driving, it’s also worth knowing whether you need to tell the DVLA you wear glasses. And if you spend long hours in front of a screen, our guide to VDU syndrome covers the symptoms and how an optometrist can help.

At D. I. Blow Opticians, we deliver high-quality eye tests, prescription lenses, stylish frames, and expert advice. If you’re unsure about which service you need, just get in touch, and we’ll guide you through what’s best for your vision and health.

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If you spend long hours in front of a computer, it’s important to understand how working from home affects your eyes and what you can do to protect them. In this article, we’ll explore the impact of blue light from screens, the condition known as Computer Vision Syndrome, and practical steps to maintain eye health.

The Rise of Working From Home and Eye Strain

During the pandemic, millions of people across the UK shifted to remote working. While some have since returned to the office, many continue to work from home at least part of the week. This shift means more hours spent looking at laptops, tablets, and phones, often without the ergonomic setups found in professional office spaces.

Unfortunately, this has created a rise in complaints such as:

• Blurred or double vision
• Headaches after screen use
• Sore, dry or watery eyes
• Difficulty focusing after long tasks

These symptoms are commonly associated with eye fatigue, which occurs when the eyes are overworked.

Blue Light From Computer Screens

One of the most common concerns for home workers is blue light. This is a high-energy light emitted by digital screens, LED lighting, and smartphones. While exposure to blue light from natural sunlight is normal, the problem comes from prolonged, close-range use of digital devices.

Too much blue light exposure can:

• Disrupt your natural sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm).
• Contribute to digital eye strain.
• Cause discomfort during extended computer sessions.

Specialist blue light-blocking lenses are now widely available, helping to reduce the impact of screen use. At our opticians, we can recommend the right coatings or lenses if you’re experiencing symptoms linked to blue light.

For more information on blue light, read our full Blue Light Guide here.

Computer Vision Syndrome

Also known as digital eye strain, Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) is a growing concern in the era of remote work. It describes a group of vision-related problems caused by extended screen use.

Common Symptoms of CVS include:

• Eyestrain and discomfort
• Blurred or double vision
• Dry eyes due to reduced blinking
• Neck and shoulder pain from poor posture

CVS is not typically a permanent condition, but it can significantly impact productivity and comfort if not properly managed.

For more information on computer vision syndrome, read our full guide on Computer Vision Syndrome here.

How to Protect Your Eyes When Working From Home

The good news is that small changes to your daily routine can make a big difference to your eye comfort. Here are some expert tips from our opticians:

1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule

Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something at least 20 feet away. This helps your eyes relax and reduces strain.

2. Adjust Screen Position

Keep your screen at arm’s length and position it slightly below eye level. This reduces glare and prevents your eyes from straining upwards.

3. Manage Lighting

Avoid working in dark rooms with a bright screen. Instead, balance natural and artificial light to minimise glare and shadows.

4. Blink More Often

When concentrating on screens, we tend to blink less, which can lead to dryness. Consciously blinking or using lubricating eye drops can help alleviate the discomfort.

5. Consider Blue Light Lenses

If you spend many hours at the computer, specialist lenses can reduce eye fatigue and improve comfort. Ask your optician about anti-reflective coatings and blue light filters.

6. Take Regular Breaks Away from Screens

Not all breaks should involve your phone. Step outside, stretch, or simply close your eyes for a few minutes to give them a complete rest.

Why An Eye Test Is Essential

If you’ve noticed persistent symptoms of eye strain, it’s important to book a comprehensive eye test. Even minor prescription adjustments can significantly enhance comfort when working on a computer.

During an examination at D.I. Blow Opticians, we can also identify underlying issues that may be contributing to your fatigue and recommend tailored solutions, such as specialist lenses or dry eye treatments.

Working from home has altered how we use our eyes on a day-to-day basis. Blue light exposure, Computer Vision Syndrome, and increased screen time all contribute to the rise of eye fatigue.

The good news is that with simple adjustments and regular eye care, you can protect your vision and work more comfortably. If you’re experiencing symptoms of eye strain, D.I. Blow Opticians are here to help with professional advice, specialist lenses, and tailored solutions.

Contact us today to book your eye examination and take the first step towards healthier, more comfortable vision.

The post Working From Home and Protecting Your Eyes From Fatigue appeared first on D.I.Blow Opticians.

Regular eye exams keep your vision at its best, but they also help detect eye diseases early — many of which could go unnoticed for a long period of time. A comprehensive eye exam can also help flag other health problems, including signs of high blood pressure and diabetes, long before you’d notice symptoms yourself.

During a routine eye exam, your optometrist will check your:

• Visual Acuity: How clearly you can see
• Eye Alignment: Where each eye is looking when you focus on one spot
• Eye Movement: How your muscles move your eyes around

The following are signs you need an eye exam, even if you think you don’t.

1. You Don’t Remember When Your Last Eye Exam Was

Typically, you should go for an eye test every 2 years. If you are predisposed to certain risk factors or are above the age of 65, this could change to every year.

Many eye diseases have no obvious symptoms at first and they may go unnoticed and continue to worsen over time. Regular eye exams can help lead to getting treated sooner and avoiding a worst-case scenario.

Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for treating common eye diseases such as:

• Cataracts: The clouding of the lenses in your eyes, which can lead to vision loss
• Glaucoma: A disease that damages your optic nerves
• Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD): The gradual loss of tissues in your eye that use light to see
• Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to blood vessels in the back of your eyes, which can cause blindness

An OCT scan can now detect many of these conditions years before symptoms appear, often as a simple add-on to your regular eye test.

2. You Are At High Risk For Eye Diseases

Like with other aspects of your health, there are certain factors that can increase your risk of developing eye diseases — some of these, however, are out of your control.

You should get your eyes checked every year if you:

• Have a personal or family history of eye diseases such as cataracts, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, or macular degeneration.
• Have diabetes, which can potentially lead to diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, or cataracts.
• Have a chronic health condition such as high blood pressure or heart disease.
• Have had eye surgery or an eye injury in the past.
• Have a job that’s visually demanding, such as working on a computer all day.
• Are of African American or Mexican American descent.
• Wear contact lenses.
• Have eyesight that continues to worsen over time.

3. You Have Allergies

If your eyes are often red and irritated, but you don’t see anything in them, you’re probably suffering from allergies. You might not get the telltale signs of sneezing, sniffing, or a blocked nose, but you may have eye allergies if you’re experiencing:

• Redness
• Burning
• Itchiness
• Clear, watery discharge from the eyes

Eye allergies can be caused by a range of things including:

• Outdoor allergens such as grass, trees, pollen, weeds
• Indoor allergens such as pet dander/fur, mould, dust mites
• Irritants such as smoke or perfume

Depending on the severity of your allergies, your optometrist might recommend you use over-the-counter or prescription eye drops and medications. Having an eye exam can also give you confirmation as to whether your symptoms are allergy-based in the first place.

4. You Notice Your Vision Getting Worse

It might seem obvious, but if you notice that you’re struggling a little more to read road signs or this blog post on your screen, then you need to book in for an eye exam. It’s easy to say it’s not a big difference and you can still cope, but catching changes in your vision early is important for long lasting healthy vision.

Vision problems can make it difficult to go about your daily routine, but eye strain can also cause headaches. This happens when your eyes aren’t focusing as they should, causing them to work harder than normal. Most often, a headache caused by eye strain will occur after you’ve used your eyes for fine, concentration work such as reading, working on the computer, or sewing.

5. Difficulty Adjusting Your Vision Between Distances

If you find it increasingly difficult to adjust your vision when transitioning from near to far objects or vice versa, it could be a sign of underlying vision issues.

Your eyes should be able to adapt smoothly to varying distances. Difficulty in doing so might indicate problems like presbyopia or other vision changes.

6. Having Trouble Seeing or Driving at Night

Night vision problems, including glare from headlights, halos around lights, or trouble seeing road signs and pedestrians in low-light conditions, can indicate various eye conditions.

Poor night vision can pose a significant risk, especially for driving, as it impacts your ability to react promptly to road hazards. Meeting the standard vision requirements for driving as set by the DVLA is essential for road safety.

Book yourself in for an eye exam before heading back out on the road.

7. You Have Diabetes

People with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, a condition that affects the blood vessels in the retina.

Regular eye exams are essential for the early detection and management of diabetic eye complications. For those with diabetes, having an eye exam every year is often recommended.

For more information on diabetes, your eyes, and diabetic retinopathy, read our blog here.

8. You See Flashing Lights or Large Floaters

Floaters are those tiny squiggles, circles, or lines that you sometimes see floating in your field of vision. Although they appear to be in front of your eyes, they are actually the shadows cast by microscopic fibres in the vitreous fluid inside your eyes.

Seeing flashing lights or floaters occasionally is normal and you will see them more as you age.

However, if you see an unusually large number of flashing lights or floaters, you may have had a retinal tear or detachment.

9. You’re Extra Sensitive to Light

It’s normal to experience some degree of light sensitivity (photophobia) as your eyes transition from indoor lighting to outdoor sunshine.

However, if your eyes are sensitive to light, this could be a sign of serious eye conditions such as a corneal abrasion, cataracts, or keratoconus.

It’s always worth checking with your optometrist.

FAQs

What Are the Signs You Need an Eye Test?

Common signs include struggling to read signs or screens clearly, frequent headaches after reading or screen use, difficulty adjusting your focus between near and far objects, trouble seeing at night or when driving, and noticing more floaters or flashes of light than usual. If you don’t remember your last eye test, that’s a sign in itself — most adults should have one every 2 years.

How Do I Know If I Need an Eye Test?

If it’s been more than 2 years since your last eye test (or a year if you’re over 65, diabetic, or have a family history of eye disease), it’s worth booking one even without obvious symptoms — many eye conditions develop gradually with no early warning signs.

How Often Should You Get Your Eyes Tested?

Every 2 years for most adults, or annually if you’re over 65, have diabetes, have a family history of eye disease, or wear contact lenses.

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Aside from getting your eyes checked regularly, small lifestyle changes can help protect your eye health too — maintaining a healthy weight, wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection, eating a balanced diet, and not smoking.

Is it time to schedule yourself in for an eye exam? If your prescription is straightforward, you could even get your eye test and new glasses on the same day. Book yourself in for a comprehensive eye exam with D. I. Blow Opticians today to ensure that you have lifelong healthy vision.

The post Signs You Might Need An Eye Exam – Even If You Think You Don’t appeared first on D.I.Blow Opticians.

People who have Down’s syndrome are more likely to have difficulties with their eyesight, up to half will need to wear glasses. It is vital that children, young people, and adults have regular eye checks to minimise the effects of any sight difficulty they have.

About Down’s Syndrome and The Eyes

Teenagers and adult who have Down’s syndrome should have a full assessment by an optician every year.

Anyone who has Down’s syndrome, aged 14 or over, is entitled to a free annual health check with their GP and vision should be discussed as part of this check. This is in addition to regular eye tests from an optician, it does not replace them.

Even when people with Down’s syndrome are wearing correctly fitted glasses, they will still have poor visual acuity. This means their world lacks firm details and sharp contrasts. This is the case for everyone who has Down’s syndrome.

If a person’s behaviour has changed, they appear confused or have lost skills, it’s a good idea to check for an underlying medical cause such as changes in vision. They may not be able to tell you their sight has changed.

Vision Problems in Young Children with Down’s Syndrome

Since refractive errors (long and short sight), nystagmus (wobbly eyes) and squint (eye turn) are more common in children who have Down’s syndrome, children should have a full eye examination before the age of 2.

Typically, children who have long or short sight at birth will grow out of this over the first 2-3 years. Children who have Down’s syndrome are highly unlikely to grow out of these conditions and can develop significant long or short sight in the early years. About 60% of children with Down’s syndrome will need glasses by the age of 4.

Visual acuity (detail vision) and contrast sensitivity (the ability to see faint targets) are reduced in all people who have Down’s syndrome, even when the correct glasses are worn. This means that children struggle to access conventional learning materials at school and teachers must make appropriate adjustments.

Keratoconus

Keratoconus is an eye disease that usually occurs during or after puberty. It can cause corneal thinning or haze and blurred vision. Glasses are used as an early treatment. As the disease progresses, corneal collagen cross-linking can be used. This involves a solution being applied to the eyes followed by ultraviolet light which causes new collagen bonds to form. In advanced stages, surgical options may be considered. Keratoconus is extremely common in individuals with Down’s syndrome.

Tear Ducts

Many individuals with Down’s syndrome have tear duct abnormalities. Family or caregivers may notice frequent tearing or discharge from the eyes that becomes worse during colds. Often the first line of treatment is massage over the space between the eye and the nose 2-3 times a day to attempt to open the tear duct. If the symptoms continue, the tear duct may need to be opened by a surgical procedure.

Cataracts

Children who have Down’s syndrome are at an increased risk of cataracts at birth or shortly after, the recommendation is children’s eyes should be checked for cataracts by the age of 6 weeks.
If cataracts are present from early in a child’s life, then a clear image is not delivered to the brain, and the brain does not ‘learn’ to see. If the cataract is not removed, it can result in lifelong vision impairment. This is why early detection of cataracts in infants and children is so important.

Other common eye issues in people with Down’s syndrome include strabismus (one or both eyes turn inward or outward), amblyopia (lazy eye with vision impairment), and nystagmus (involuntary movement of the eyes).

Strabismus does not necessarily cause vision impairment, it can be treated with glasses, eye patching, and in severe cases surgery. If left untreated, strabismus can cause amblyopia.

Amblyopia occurs when vision does not develop normally due to the eyes being misaligned and results in vision loss.

Nystagmus is an involuntary side to side, up and down, or circular movement of the eyes. It typically involves both eyes. Nystagmus may go away on its own with time, be managed with glasses, or in severe cases require surgery.

FAQs

Do People with Down’s Syndrome Have Eye Problems?

Yes. People with Down’s syndrome are more likely to have difficulties with their eyesight, and up to half will need to wear glasses. Regular eye checks help minimise the impact of any sight difficulties.

How Often Should Someone with Down’s Syndrome Have an Eye Test?

Teenagers and adults with Down’s syndrome should have a full assessment by an optician every year. Young children should have a full eye examination before the age of 2, as refractive errors, nystagmus, and squint are more common and less likely to resolve on their own than in children without Down’s syndrome.

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If you’re worried about your or someone else’s eye health, get in contact with your local D. I. Blow Opticians and book in for an eye test today.

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Understanding Eye Test Results: Refraction Tests

As part of a comprehensive eye exam, people are routinely given refraction tests. A refraction test is designed to test how clearly a patient can see by measuring how much light hits their retina. The results of this test will determine if a patient needs a glasses prescription or other type of vision correction.

There are different types of refraction tests and your child’s optometrist will choose one or more of the following:

• A computerised test that uses a machine to determine how much light is moving through your child’s eyes.
• A manual light reflex test where the doctor shines a light into each eye and measures how much light is reflected by the retina.
• A phoropter test in which your child’s face is positioned against a mask-like device called a phoropter. They will be asked to look through the device at an eye chart 20 feet away and identify the pictures or letters on it if they are able. The test is to find the smallest row of items that the child can see.

If you’re told your child has 20/20 acuity, it means there is no refractive error to correct. On your child’s eye chart, this will show as a 0 meaning no issues with their vision.

It’s fairly common for children to have some type of refractive error. This means the light passing through the lens of the eye is not hitting the retina in the right spot. The most common refractive errors that your child might get diagnosed with are:

• Myopia (Nearsightedness): Difficulty seeing objects in the distance clearly. Light is focused in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
• Hyperopia (Farsightedness): Difficulty focusing on objects up close. Light is focused behind the retina instead of directly on it.
• Astigmatism: Causes blurred vision and difficulty seeing both up close and far away. This happens when the cornea is not the usual spherical shape but instead slightly elongated like an egg.

On your child’s eye chart myopia will be written as a minus (-) sign next to a number whilst hyperopia will be written as a plus (+) sign next to a number. The greater the number, the greater the refractive error, and therefore the stronger the prescription.

Astigmatism will be written as a cylinder, representing the amount of astigmatism present. The axis of the cylinder will show where the astigmatism is located.

Other abbreviations you might see on your child’s eye chart include:

• OD: Meaning right eye
• OS: Meaning left eye
• OU: Meaning both eyes

In an eye exam each eye is evaluated separately, however how the eyes function together is important. If there is a big difference between the vision of the two eyes, this is called anisometropia. In severe cases your child will be put forward for amblyopia treatment, this is commonly referred to as ‘lazy eye’.

Want To Learn More About Children’s Eye Exams?

You can read out blog titled ‘the Importance of Regular Eye Exams for Children’ here. If your child has Down’s syndrome, our guide to Down’s syndrome and eye care covers what to expect and how often they should be tested.

Not sure whether your child needs a test in the first place? Our guide on how to recognise signs of vision problems in children covers the key warning signs to look out for. If the appointment itself is still ahead of you, our guide on what to expect in children’s eye tests walks through exactly what happens. And if screens are a big part of your child’s day, our guide on screen time and children’s eyes covers what parents should know.

The post Understanding the Results of Your Child’s Eye Test appeared first on D.I.Blow Opticians.

Seeing an optometrist, or ophthalmologist, regularly helps keep your eye health in check and can also help to diagnose health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes.

During your eye exam, an optometrist will check your visual acuity (how clearly you can see), your eye alignment (where each eye is looking when you focus on one spot), and your eye movement (how your muscles move your eyes around).

So, When Did You Last Have An Eye Exam? Here Are Some Signs That You Might Need One:

1. You Simply Don’t Remember When You Last Had One

It is recommended for adults to have an eye test every year. Not knowing when your last one was is a good enough reason to book yourself in for an eye test.

It’s important to know that many eye diseases have no symptoms at first, so having regular eye tests can be the key to early diagnosis and treatment.

Some common eye diseases that this applies to are:

• Glaucoma: The name for a group of eye diseases characterised by increased intraocular pressure that can damage the optic nerve, potentially leading to vision loss or blindness.
• Cataracts: The clouding of the lenses in your eyes which can lead to vision loss.
• Age-related macular degeneration: The gradual loss of tissues in your eye that use light to see.
• Diabetic retinopathy: The damage to blood vessels in the back of your eyes which can lead to blindness.

Many of these conditions can now be detected years before symptoms appear using an OCT scan, a quick, painless addition to your standard eye test.

2. Your Vision Is Getting Worse

Are you struggling to read text on a screen or in a book? Can’t quite make out that sign in the distance? You should book in at your local opticians. Even more so if it is affecting your day-to-day life.

Do you find yourself getting frequent headaches? This can be caused by eye strain from worsening vision and should also act as a sign to book in for an appointment soon.

You might also be experiencing a change in your eyes, this may include:

• Eye pain
• Flashes of light
• Floaters
• Double vision
• Circles or halos around lights
• Redness in one or both eyes

3. You Have Allergies

Some tell-tale signs to look out for in terms of eye allergies are:

• Redness
• Itchiness
• Burning
• Clear, watery discharge

Your eye allergies could be caused by:

• Outdoor allergens such as grass, pollen, and trees.
• Indoor allergens such as pet fur, dust, and mould.
• Irritants such as smoke or perfume.

Having an eye exam can give you confirmation as to your struggle being allergy-based, along with your optometrist being able to recommend what over-the-counter eye drops and medications you can use.

4. You Are ‘High Risk’ For Eye Diseases

Like many other aspects of your health, certain genetics factors and lifestyle choices can increase your risk of developing an eye disease. If this is you, you should definitely be getting your eyes checked at least once a year.

Here are some factors that make you high risk:

• Have a personal or family history or eye diseases.
• Have diabetes.
• Have a visually demanding job, e.g. using a computer or screens all day.
• Wearing contact lenses.
• Had a recent eye injury or eye surgery.
• Are getting older.
• Have high amounts of UV exposure.
• Have a chronic health condition such as high blood pressure or heart disease.

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Aside from getting your eyes checked regularly, we also recommend taking small steps and making lifestyle changes to maintain your eye health, these can include maintaining a healthy weight, wearing sunglasses with 100% UV ray protection, eating a healthy diet, and quitting smoking.

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As parents, we prioritise our children’s health and well-being in every aspect of their lives. Yet, when it comes to vision, it’s easy to overlook the need for regular eye exams. We want you to understand the importance of scheduling routine eye exams for children and how early detection of vision issues can positively impact their academic performance and overall quality of life.

The post The Importance of Regular Eye Exams for Children appeared first on D.I.Blow Opticians.