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When to Have an Eyesight Test?

Eyesight test

Eyesight tests are exams that check how well your eyes are performing and whether or not you need a prescription for glasses and/or contact lenses.

When Should You Have an Eyesight Test?
It is recommended to have an eyesight test once every two years, whether you have a current prescription or not.

This is because eyes change over time and you may start to become short or farsighted as time goes on.

How to Prepare for an Eyesight Test
If you wear contact lenses, you will probably have a contact lens test together with your eyesight test. In these cases, you will be asked to bring your glasses with you, as you will need to remove your contacts for the eyesight test. It is also quite common for a little drop of coloured dye to be put into your to check whether or not your eye is still healthy, and you are unable to wear contacts for several hours after that.

If you are not wearing contacts, there is nothing particular you need to do to prepare yourself for an eyesight test.

Online Eyesight Tests
It is possible to do an eyesight test online however the results of these should only give you an indication of whether or not you need to be seen by a real ophthalmologist. Generally, to take an online eyesight test you will have to sit at a specific distance from your computer screen and an image will slowly move away from you. You will then need to press stop at the point that the letters become blurry and you will be given results as an indication of how well your eyes are performing.

What happens if You get a Bad Result?
A bad result can be one of two things: you need a prescription or there is an actual problem with your eye!

If you need a prescription, you will be advised of the strength you need and you will be able to pick some glasses that best suit you. The lenses themselves can be customized depending on your prescription. You could get vari-focal glasses, for example. Depending on the shape of your eye, you should also be able to opt for contact lenses. If you have never worn contact lenses before, you will be trained in placing them on your eye and removing them and you will be given information on care and use.

If there is a problem with your eye, you will immediately be referred to your nearest eye hospital for a thorough check up and to find the best way forward.

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