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Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions section, this simple search will give you the answers to your most common eye care questions.
If you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact-us
Why is an Eye Examination so important?
Your eyes determine your quality of life. The difficulty with a lost of eye disease is that there is often no early symptoms.
Having an eye examination can pick up very early signs of any problems. The earlier treated the better. The Eye Examination can detect underlying health problems that you aren't aware of, such as Diabetes, High Blood Pressure and other neurological conditions.
As vision changes very gradually you may just be used to seeing less clearly so don't realise it can be improved upon.
For children, it is essential that their eyes are functioning normally for them to perform well at school. Don't accept that poor vision is due to your age. It may be possible to improve it further.
How often should I have my eyes examined?
Even if you are not aware of any problems you should have your eyes examined every 1-2 years. The eye examination is a regular health check, which can detect underlying health problems as well as changes in your vision. It may need to be more frequent depending on you age and medical history. Your eyeclarity Optometrist will normally advise you when you should return for your next Eye Examination and usually they will send a reminder letter to you.
Do I have to pay for an Eye Examination?
Mostly all examinations are bulk billed to Medicare. You will need to bring your Medicare card with you at the time of the examination.
Why do I need an Eye Examination every 2 years if everything is always fine?
Your eyes don't usually let you know that something is wrong. Any change is usually very gradual, so you become accustomed to the change in your vision. Therefore, regular eye exams are important to pick up any change as soon as possible to make sure any problem can be treated before it affects vision. The Eye Examination detects many conditions earlier than waiting for symptoms to appear. The eye examination does not just check whether you need glasses, but it can show a number of underlying health problems, such as diabetes and glaucoma, and the general condition of your eyes.
Why do I need regular Eye Examinations if I'm diabetic?
Your eyeclarity Optometrist can detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy by looking inside your eyes. The earlier any changes are detected, the more likely it is they can be monitored and treated to prevent loss of sight. Early treatment is essential so an annual Eye Examination is the best step you can take to protect your eyes.
I'm diabetic but my vision hasn't changed. Why do I need an Eye Examination every year?
Even if your vision appears unchanged, the tiny blood vessels on your retina may be changing. Your eyeclarity Optometrist can look for these early signs and they can be treated before they cause damage to your vision.
How old does my child have to be before they can have their eyes examined?
Children can be examined at any age. It is recommended that your eyeclarity optometrist sees them before they start school and start learning to read. Often, vision problems can be the reason a child does not perform well at school, for example because they cannot see the board. The earlier a problem is detected the more chance there is of successful treatment. Children's eyes are fully developed by the time they are 7 years old so it is very important to have any problems detected before this.
If the eyes do not seem to be working together perfectly, which you will notice when they are looking at an object, which can indicate a squint
During the first year there are rapid changes in vision in each eye. Do not worry if your baby cannot seem to focus or their eyes seem to wander during the first 4 months. Signs that need checking by your eyeclarity Optometrist are - persistent eye infections (although in babies the tear ducts are not fully open for the first few months)
Why does my child need to go to an Optometrist when they have their eyes checked at school?
Although they are checked at school, it is not a full Eye Examination. Their distance vision is normally checked but this will not detect all levels of long-sight. Short sight and large squints may be detected, but the school checks are not usually carried out by an eye care professional. For a full Eye Examination you should take your child to a registered Optometrist. If left undetected for too long, some sight defects cannot be corrected.
I have astigmatism - can I still have contact lenses?
Astigmatism is caused when the eye does not focus light evenly. Contact lenses for astigmatism have been available for several years now. Most types of astigmatism can be corrected with contact lenses.
What is 'contact lens aftercare'?
This is an essential check-up that should be carried out by your Optometrist , usually every 6 months. Regular routine aftercare is essential to monitor the health of the eyes and to ensure your ongoing suitability to wear contact lenses. Regular visits also allow your eyeclarity Contact Lens Optometrist to keep you informed of the latest developments in contact lenses and to ensure that you are getting the best level of comfort and vision from your contact lenses.
Why can't I use my spectacle prescription to buy contact lenses?
Your spectacle prescription is different to your contact lens specification. Additional examinations and measurements are required to determine the correct lenses for your individual requirements.
What shall I do if my contact lenses are uncomfortable?
Always remember: if in doubt take them out! There are several reasons why your contact lenses might feel uncomfortable. You should make an appointment to see your eyeclarity Contact Lens Optometrist. We will be able to examine the contact lenses and see if there is any damage or deposits, which could be making them uncomfortable. If the contact lenses are still in good condition, there may be something irritating your eyes and making the lenses uncomfortable. Your eyeclarity Optometrist will be able to discuss this with you.
Why do I get a new storage case when I collect my solutions? - The one I'm using is still OK
A dirty case is a major source of infection. It should be replaced frequently and cleaned regularly. Once you have put your contact lenses in the storage case should be rinsed and left open to air-dry. There is no point stockpiling contact lens storage cases! You are given a new one for a reason - so start with a new case as often as you can.
Why do I still need glasses when I wear contact lenses?
Most people cannot leave their contact lenses in all day, every day, and expect their eyes to remain healthy. It is best to let your eyes breathe normally at least every evening and preferably one whole day a week, by not wearing your contact lenses. Therefore, you need up to date glasses to use. Also, your eyes may feel irritated by the contact lenses or you may get an eye infection, in which case you would need glasses to wear instead. If you do not have up to date glasses, you become tempted to keep your contact lenses in for too long.
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