I don't need glasses all the time, but as I'm getting older I do find it harder read fine print. I like to carry reading glasses so that I don't get stuck when I'm out and about, but I don't want to always carry a bulky glasses case. I like to try and find reading glasses that are compact and can easily be carried in the pocket and are pretty hardy so they don't get too scratched up. This blog is all about affordable options for pocket reading glasses to keep you able to read all those tiny fonts and prints.
Whether you wear glasses or not, it's recommended that you go to have your eyes tested once every two years - or annually, if you're older than 60 or have an existing eye condition. You may feel it's an inconvenience, especially if your prescription hasn't changed in a long time. After all, everybody has a very busy schedule these days, and there are plenty of things to do that seem more important than reading a row of letters. However, did you know that your eye test isn't just checking your prescription? In fact, at the same time, your optometrist is checking the overall health of your eyes - and you'd be amazed to know what else they can deduce just by looking.
General Medical Conditions
Your optometrist can tell, based on the health of your eyes, whether you have conditions such as diabetes and hypertension. You may not necessarily be able to see it when you look in the mirror - but there are signs in your eyes that an expert can interpret. It may be that your optometrist is the first to spot these conditions and refer you on for help, especially if you don't feel you've experienced any symptoms yet.
High Cholesterol
Believe it or not, having excess cholesterol in your system is visible in your eyes. The optometrist will not be able to give you an exact reading, as only a blood test can do that; nor are they likely to make any recommendations to you about changing your diet or similar. However, as with the other conditions, your optometrist may be the first line of defence if they are the first to notice these signs in you, and can refer you on for help.
Past Conditions
Your optometrist can also tell from your eye health whether you have ever suffered from a stroke. Again, it may not be visible to the naked eye, but this information is written indelibly in your body. It may be the case that you're aware of this - but if it was a minor stroke and you were not aware of it, then having this information could be seriously important in protecting your future health.
In essence, while most of us associate visits to the optometrist with new glasses and stronger lenses, that's simply not all they're looking out for. As such, you should be sure not to undervalue this part of your routine, and stick to that recommended schedule of at least one appointment every two years. It's for the best.
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