It’s World Optometry Week!

In World Optometry Week, we recognise the importance of our Optometrists. They are the entry point into the eye care system and offer primary health care for the eyes. We thank them for their positive contribution to improving the quality of life for all South Africans. 

This year’s theme, “A shared vision: collaboration in global eye care,” highlights the importance of closing the gaps in eye care through coordination, referrals, and collaboration.

We often get asked questions about eye care so we will share answers to the top 3 questions over the next few days.

Question: What are the symptoms or conditions people shouldn’t ignore?

Answer: 

If you are concerned about your eyes but are unsure what to do, we would recommend that you reach out for assistance. Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• A sudden loss of vision
• Severe eye pain
• A sudden onset or worsening of a shadow or curtain over the vision, associated with flashes of light and floaters.
• Severe pain or loss of vision in an eye following an eye operation
• A chemical splash into the eye
• A firecracker injury
• A blunt or penetrating injury to the eye
• Double vision

Here are 6 signs that you should get an exam to be assessed by your Optometrist on the calendar soon:

• You have diabetes or another health condition that affects your eyes. Also, if you have a family history of conditions like diabetes or glaucoma you may need exams more often, especially as you move into your 50’s and beyond.
• You can’t remember when you last had an eye exam. If it’s been longer than a year, you’re overdue.
• You have difficulty driving at night with scattering of light and difficulty seeing street signs in the dark. You have difficulty reading other cars’ number plates during the day.
• You experience eye strain, headaches and/or blurred vision after spending an extended amount of time in front of a computer screen.
• You get motion sick, dizzy, or have trouble following a moving target.
• You hold books or the newspaper further away from your face and squint or
  close one eye to read them clearly.

Don’t wait until you experience any of these before you schedule an eye exam though. Your optometrist plays a critical role in assessing your eyes to identify any changes or progression of conditions. Just by looking at your eyes, your eye care team can detect a wide range of diseases like diabetes, retinal vein occlusion and glaucoma just by looking at your eyes. Sticking with a healthcare professional you trust is particularly important for continuity of care so that they can compare your eyes to previous examination findings.