Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser
Opticians’ warning over missing vital eye tests
A Monklands opticians has warned that people have missed out on vital eye tests during the coronavirus lockdown.
Specsavers says this could potentially put people’s eyesight and wider health at risk.
Laura Mullet, the firm’s Airdrie and Coatbridge director, revealed: “Fifty per cent of sight loss is avoidable with early detection, however, during the pandemic, many people may not have had access to these diagnostic tests.
“Not only does this mean their eyesight is at risk but potentially other aspects of their health too.
“That’s because while there are several changes we may notice in our vision which could be a sign of a wider health condition, there are also some things that can only be detected during an eye test.
“It is important to make an appointment with your optometrist if you are seeing certain things, such as persistent floaters, or notice changes with your eyes such as blurred vision or yellowing of the eyes.
“However, it is also important to keep up your regular eye checks – even if you don’t think there is anything wrong with your vision – because something could be happening which you are completely unaware of.
“We recommend getting your eyes checked every two years and, as eye examinations are free through the NHS in Scotland, there really is no reason to delay.”
Specsavers has shared five changes you may notice in your eyes and what they mean.
These are red spots or blood vessels, persistent floaters, blue ring, yellow tinge and blurred vision.
On the latter, Laura added: “Blurred vision can be caused by many things and it is vital you get it checked out.
“Diabetes raises the risk of experiencing diabetic retinopathy where high blood sugar levels damage tiny blood vessels in the eye that sense light which can result in blurry vision.
“The sudden onset of blurry vision could also be a sign of stroke, particularly if combined with some of the other key signs such as slurred speech and dropping of the face.
“Blurry vision could also indicate other eye conditions such as cataract or age- related macular degeneration.”
For more information, or to request an appointment at your local store, visit www.specsavers. co.uk