OPTICAL PRISM | FEATURE and internal exam of their eyes and measure vision qualities , such as eye movements and coordination , sharpness of vision and peripheral vision . S / he will also evaluate a patient ’ s ability to adjust focus and to see colour and depth normally .
At the end of the exam , a patient may have something as basic as a prescription for glasses .
Or they could have a diagnosis and a treatment plan to help prevent a disease or disorder affecting the eye and visual system , like glaucoma , macular degeneration , cataracts , retinal detachments and dry eye .
To see or not to see ?
That is a Vision Health Month question
BY DR . MICHAEL NELSON , FAAO , President of Canadian Association of Optometrists
It is important to remember that serious eye conditions don ’ t have obvious symptoms ; some only show symptoms when the condition is advanced and difficult , or even impossible , to treat .
That same exam also enables optometrists to identify underlying health conditions , including early warning signs of conditions such as hypertension , high cholesterol , vascular disease , thyroid disease , brain tumors and diabetes .
With apologies to Hamlet , there is no better time than to consider the question in the title of this article than in May , recognized across Canada as Vision Health Month .
During Vision Health Month , those of us working in the optometric space – individually and at provincial and national association levels – take extra steps to increase awareness about the importance of protecting eye health and vision care .
Ensuring optimal eye health and vision care begins with having regular , comprehensive eye exams delivered by an optometrist . Think of them as being like the regular appointments you have with a physician or a dentist , only for the eyes . Ideally , these exams start in infancy – yes , even babies can ( and should !) have an eye exam – and go through to the golden years .
A comprehensive eye exam performed by an optometrist is an important part of preventive health care . It is also the least invasive physical exam a person will ever have .
During the appointment , an optometrist will review a patient ’ s case history , conduct an external
And let ’ s be very clear – a sight test or screening is NOT the same as a comprehensive eye exam .
While a sight test can measure visual acuity , we know that 20 / 20 vision is not equivalent to good eye health ; only a comprehensive eye exam can provide that level of reassurance and peace of mind .
To borrow from Mastercard - priceless !
While this message has resonance the entire year , during this month especially remember – a comprehensive eye exam can do more than test your vision – it could help save a life . OP
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