What Can Eye Exams Detect?

Refractive errors

One of the first things that eye exams can detect is refractive errors. These include:

Myopia – This is commonly known as short-sightedness, where you have difficulty seeing distant objects.

Hyperopia – This is long-sightedness or difficulty focusing on nearby objects.

Astigmatism – When an irregularly shaped cornea causes blurred vision. It is common among people who wear spectacles, as the condition often accompanies myopia or hyperopia.

Presbyopia – An age-related difficulty in focusing on close objects.

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) – A leading cause of vision loss in older adults that affects central vision. It has two distinct types: wet and dry AMD, with the wet version developing more quickly. If your optician diagnoses this condition, you will be referred to the hospital immediately for further investigation.

Cataracts – Commonly affecting older adults, cataracts cloud the lens of the eye, leading to blurred vision and difficulty seeing at night.

Glaucoma – Damage to the optic nerve because of increased pressure within the eye can lead to blindness if left untreated. Treatment and regular monitoring can keep it under control.

Diabetic Retinopathy – A complication of diabetes that damages the blood vessels in the retina.

More specific eye conditions

Some more specific eye conditions can be picked up in an eye exam.

Retinal Detachment – Where the retina unattaches from the eye. Symptoms include seeing flashes, floaters or vision loss. This is a medical emergency and must be seen to as such.

Optic Neuritis – A common condition associated with Multiple Sclerosis involving the inflammation of the optic nerve.

Uveitis – Inflammation of the middle layer of the eye. It can be associated with autoimmune conditions.

Keratoconus – Thinning and bulging of the cornea causing distorted vision.

Amblyopia – Commonly known as Lazy Eye. This is often diagnosed in childhood and usually affects only one eye. This condition also used to be confused with Strabismus or squint, a common misalignment of the eyes.

Dry Eye Syndrome – Self explanatorily resulting from the insufficient production of tears, which can irritate the eyes and cause mild to severe discomfort.

Blepharitis – Inflammation of the eyelids causing red, itchy and swollen eyelids.

Corneal Ulcers – Where infections or misuse of contact lenses can create open sores on the cornea.

Hypertensive Retinopathy – Refers to damage to the retina that can be caused by high blood pressure. One of the symptoms of high blood pressure is blurred vision, so the NHS recommends regular blood pressure checks for older adults or those meeting specific criteria.

Retinitis Pigmentosa – A rare genetic disorder that leads to progressive vision loss.

Choroidal Nevus – A pigmented spot in the eye, similar to a mole, that needs to be regularly monitored for potential malignancy.

While some eye conditions are merely irritating and can clear up with treatment, others cause severe or complete vision loss – especially if left undiagnosed and untreated. What is important is that all of the eye health conditions we have mentioned can be detected through regular testing by a qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist who has a wide range of modern, high-tech tests at their fingertips.

The NHS recommends seeing your optician for eye health examinations every two years to detect potentially serious conditions early. If you are at all worried about your eyesight or any eye health issue do not wait until it becomes a critical issue.

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