When you think of an eye test, you probably picture yourself reading letters off a chart to see if you need glasses. However, your eyes are windows to your overall health so a comprehensive eye test can reveal much more than whether you’re short-sighted or need stronger reading lenses.
The Eyes as a Health Indicator
The eyes are the only place in the body where we can see blood vessels, nerves and connective tissue without surgery. This means that during an eye exam, we can often spot early signs of health conditions that might otherwise go unnoticed.
Some of these include:
Diabetes
Eye tests can detect diabetic retinopathy, sometimes before diabetes has even been diagnosed.
High blood pressure
Changes in the tiny blood vessels in your retina can signal elevated blood pressure.
Cholesterol issues
Deposits in the blood vessels of your eyes can indicate high cholesterol.
Autoimmune diseases
Conditions like lupus or multiple sclerosis can cause inflammation in the eyes.
In many cases, these changes show up in the eyes before you feel any symptoms. That’s why regular check-ups with experienced Perth opticians are such an important part of preventative healthcare.
More Than Just ‘Better or Worse’ Vision
While assessing your ability to see clearly is important, eye tests with independent optometry clinics like Abernethy Owens are far more thorough.
We check:
Eye pressure to monitor for glaucoma
Peripheral vision to detect early signs of nerve damage
Retinal health to catch early macular degeneration or retinal tears
Eye coordination to ensure both eyes are working together comfortably
These checks can help prevent vision loss by catching problems early, when they’re most treatable.
The Link Between Eye Health and Lifestyle
Too much screen time, poor diet, smoking and a lack of regular exercise can all contribute to eye strain, dryness and long-term health issues.
A good optometrist should take a personalised approach, they won’t just tell you what’s wrong, they’ll talk you through lifestyle changes and practical tips that can make a real difference to your comfort and long-term vision health. That’s one of the benefits of seeing a local, independent optometry provider who takes the time to know you, rather than rushing through appointments.
Early Detection Saves Sight and Sometimes Lives
It’s not an exaggeration to say that an eye test can save your sight or even your life. Many serious health conditions have no obvious symptoms in their early stages.
Glaucoma is known as the ‘silent thief of sight’ because you may not notice vision loss until significant damage has occurred.
Macular degeneration can slowly erode your central vision, making reading and recognising faces difficult.
Retinal detachment needs urgent treatment to prevent permanent blindness, and an eye test can spot warning signs early.
High blood pressure often shows early warning signs through changes in the retina. Optometrists can observe these changes during an eye exam, potentially catching hypertension before it leads to more severe complications or even a heart attack.
Why Choose an Independent Optometrist?
You might be wondering, what’s the difference between a national chain store and an independent optometry practice like Abernethy Owens? The biggest advantage is personalised care. We’re not tied to corporate targets or limited product ranges. Our focus is solely on your needs, from the time we take during appointments to the range of frames, lenses and treatments we can offer.
As a locally owned and operated group, we’re deeply invested in the health of our community. We remember your history, we track your changes over time and we work with you to create a care plan that suits your life.
If you’ve noticed changes in your vision or it’s been a while since your last eye test, we’d love to help you see clearly and stay healthy for years to come. Book your next eye test with us online now or call 1800 411 744.