Dr. Hiba Mannan
Optometrist & Head of Professional Services,
Specsavers Canada
Regular eye exams are important for maintaining good health, but many of us put them off — often until we
experience an issue.
While some vision changes are common as we age, it’s important to separate fact from fiction to ensure we’re protecting our eyesight for the long term. Dr. Hiba Mannan, an optometrist and Head of Professional Services at Specsavers Canada, sheds light on common myths and shares why regular eye exams are essential for aging well.
Myth: If something was wrong with my vision, I would know it.
It’s easy to assume that no change in vision means everything is fine. However, your eye health may change without any difference in your vision.
“Many common eye diseases progress without noticeable symptoms,” says Dr. Mannan. “This is why it’s important to have your eyes tested regularly, even if your vision hasn’t changed. Regular comprehensive eye exams can play an important role in maintaining overall eye health and help to identify significant health conditions, including diabetes and high blood pressure.”
Many common eye diseases progress without
noticeable symptoms. This is why it’s important to have your eyes tested regularly, even if your vision hasn’t changed.
Myth: Vision loss is an inevitable part of aging.
Eyesight can change for a lot of reasons, whether due to the natural aging process, eye disease, or the use of certain medications.
“The good news is that 75 per cent of vision impairment is preventable and treatable, but early detection is key,” says Dr. Mannan. “That’s why I recommend a comprehensive eye exam to ensure potential issues are detected before they become more serious.”
For example, presbyopia, a common condition that gradually affects your ability to see objects close, can often be managed with the right prescription.
It’s important to understand that the major eye conditions that affect vision tend to onset in later life. Conditions like age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. These conditions often progress without significant symptoms at first, making regular eye exams even more crucial to detect them in their early stages.
Myth: A 3D eye scan is expensive and unnecessary for routine exams.
During the eye exam, your optometrist may use optical coherence tomography (OCT), a 3D eye scan, to take a closer look at what’s going on beneath the surface of your eye.
“An OCT scan shows the layers beneath the retina and can help in identifying gradual changes over time, facilitating early detection and treatment when needed,” says Dr. Mannan. “It can aid in detecting sight-threatening conditions such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and AMD at early stages.”
That’s why participating independent optometric clinics located within Specsavers stores include an OCT scan as part of every standard eye exam.
Myth: The recommended frequency of eye exams is the same for all adults.
Once you reach age 65, it’s important to make an eye exam a yearly habit. The Canadian Association of Optometrists recommends that adults aged 65 and older have an eye exam every year, and those with diabetes should also aim for an annual exam. For most adults aged 20 to 64, a comprehensive eye exam every two years is recommended, though your optometrist may recommend more frequent visits depending on your health.
By making eye exams with OCT a part of your wellness routine, you’re not only caring for your vision but also your overall well-being.
Visit specsavers.ca to book an eye exam.
