EYE DISEASE - THERE'S MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE

"I can see perfectly, so I don't need an eye test"

While that may be so, did you know people with perfect vision can still have eye problems, like eye diseases? So even if you have 20/20 vision, your peepers still need a regular check. A comprehensive eye exam not only looks at the clarity of your vision, but also the health of your eyes. Our optometrists look for any diseases lurking between the surface, and can often pick up problems years before it starts to affect your eyesight. 

Why is it so important to get your eyes tested regularly?

Eye diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration lurk beneath the surface of your eyes, and often have no symptoms in the early stages. But, long term, these nasty eye diseases leave behind damaging results. The most unfair, and devastating thing about eye diseases is NOT that they usually only show symptoms when the damage is already done, but that the damage was preventable if it was only picked up sooner. 

The NZAO (New Zealand Association of Optometrists) states that more than 70,000 New Zealanders aged 40 years and older have glaucoma, but at least half do not know they have it! Glaucoma is one of leading causes of blindness in Kiwis. However, the good news is that glaucoma is also the most easily treated eye diseases... if picked up early. 

Getting regular eye examinations allows for early detection of these eye diseases which prevents permanent damage to the eye such as a loss of vision. Vision loss is irreversible, so there is a lot of motivation to protect your peepers and have a regular eye test. 

At OCULA, we offer comprehensive eye examinations by specialised optometrists with state-of-the-art technology to assess both the clarity of your vision and look closely at your eye health. We work with you to create a tailor made vision plan that suits you and your lifestyle, so you can see you best and feel your best.

How to keep on top of your eye health: 

1. Get regular eye tests 

The NZAO recommends that New Zealanders should get their eyes tested every 2 years, regardless of your age, or whether you've experienced visual problems or not. For contact lens wearers, it is essential that you get your eyes tested every year to ensure your eyes are healthy.

Don't wait until there is a problem. Make visiting your optometrist just as important as the dentist. Just like our teeth we only get one set of eyes - so its important look after them!

2. Protect your eyes 

It is a common misconception that you only need to wear sunglasses when the sky is blue and the sun in shining. The truth is, you should be wearing sunglasses at any time you are outdoors during the day, cloud or shine. 

Too much exposure to the UVA and UVB rays that are emitted from the sun can result in a higher chance of eye diseases, skin cancers around the eyes as well as other visual problems. This is why it is crucial that you invest in a good pair of sunglasses that provide the best protection for your eyes, ensuring they have full UV protection (unfortunately, this means discount pair you bought at the petrol station might not cut the mustard). 

At OCULA, we're here to help guide you through our wide range of sunglasses, to help you choose a pair that that gives you the best protection, most comfortable fit and makes you look super stylish. View our range of sunglass brands here.

3. Healthy diet and life style

Regular exercise and healthy eating is, of course, always the best way to look after your body, including your eyes. Foods such as fish, leafy green vegetables and nuts are filled with rich nutrients such as vitamins and lutein that are great fuel for eye health. 

A balanced diet is great way to prevent eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy (caused by diabetes) which is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults. 

Learn more about foods that improve eye health here.

We know it can be hard to find the time for an eye test, but hopefully we've helped you understand why it is just so important. Looking after your eyes now means you can continue to enjoy seeing life and all its beauty for years to come. 

To book an eye examination with one of our specialised optometrists in Christchurch, Queenstown or Wanaka click here.