Dear LPG,

Did you know that it is recommended that we get regular eye tests whatever we think the state of our eyes?  Not that long ago visiting an optician was something that we did when we noticed our sight getting a little worse, but many symptoms can be detected during an eye test and I was quite surprised to find out that some of them have little to do with your eyes.

The obvious ones that come to mind are cataracts and glaucoma.  I learned that the latter is more likely to affect people of African descent and people over the age of 60.  It can cause total blindness but is treatable if it is found early enough, and although the people around you are likely to notice you bumping into things, and people, a little more than usual it is something that the person experiencing the illness often doesn’t realise is happening. 

Apart from that, an eye test can now show symptoms of many illnesses that you would think have nothing to do with eyes. 

Diabetes, Hypertension, Lupus disorders, High cholesterol, Thyroid disease, Cancer and the evidence of some Tumours are just a few things that can be detected during an eye test these days.  I am sure that they can be picked up through other tests too but we are always being told that the earlier they are found; the better the chance of recovery from their quite frightening effects.

Everyone who is most likely to visit this site will be automatically entitled to a free annual eye test and there are many other reasons and conditions that make one accessible.  I urge all readers to book one, even those who think there is absolutely nothing wrong with their sight.  

IG, Bellingham

LPG has found some information on this subject which includes who is eligible for free eye tests and more facts about what conditions are detectable during a routine eye test.

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