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Importance of regular eye examination
Usually , people would undergo an annual health check-up or blood test to rule out diseases . Likewise , for the eye , it requires regular examination .
“ The eye is the second most complicated organ after the brain , so we have to pick up any early signs to prevent it from becoming worse .
“ There are many eye diseases . They may not have symptoms in the early stages . So , it is important to have eye health examinations at least once a year for adults . It ’ s not about the prescription but about
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the status of eye health .
“ It is best not to wait until your vision is affected , where there is a partial or total loss of sight in one eye or both eyes ,” Bong stressed .
She shared that the common misconception was if they could see clearly with their glasses , it meant their eyes were okay .
“ But at times , that might not be the case . I ’ ve seen people with perfect vision , but something wrong can be detected after a thorough eye examination . Eventually , it can turn out to be a brain tumour .
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I ’ ve had a patient came in with sudden blurred vision , but after examination was diagnosed with diabetic macular edema . This was not a sudden occurrence but is a complication of diabetes , which cannot be solved with a pair of glasses .”
— Anna Bong
From far end on the left : Digital Fundus Camera with Fundus Autofluorescence , Non-contact tonometer and Automated visual field perimeter .
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“ I ’ ve had a patient came in with sudden blurred vision , but after examination was diagnosed with diabetic macular edema . This was not a sudden occurrence but is a complication of diabetes , which cannot be solved with a pair of glasses .
“ I asked her to record her blood sugar every day for a week to let me see how it is and look for potential treatment to stop or slow down the progression instead .
“ So , never wait until there is something wrong with your vision to get your eyes checked . It should be done regularly ,” said Bong , who regards herself as an eye care enthusiast .
However , for children , eye checks must be more frequent because the changes and damage can be quicker than adults .
“ It should be at least every six months unless the optometrist finds any serious changes which will require more frequent visits .”
Children ' s eye examination focus slightly different
She has seen kids with eye muscle problems or huge jumps in their prescription in a short time that may need them to see eye care specialists every month as they may need vision therapy .
“ I have young patients whom I see every one to three months . So , it depends on the situation . I would recommend everyone to do a comprehensive eye examination at least once a year which involves checking the eye from the front to the back part .
“ The whole process usually takes about half an hour to 45 minutes , depending on how the person responds during the examination . But for children , the eye examination ’ s focus will be slightly different . It is more on the eye development and to identify any changes or early signs for eye conditions such as amblyopia , which is a lazy eye , and so on .”
Bong shared she was always looking to improve and upgrade her eye care facilities in her optometry store located in Kuching , Sarawak .
“ I have a lot of equipment in my store for various purposes , not just to check the prescription but to check the eye pressure and so on . They include retinal photography , which allows her to check the status of the patient ’ s retina over time .
“ So , when they come back a year later , I ’ ll show them if it looks identical , which is good . For some , for example , those with diabetes , there may be slight bleeding when they come back a year later .
“ They need to see for themselves , so they will know how urgent it is and understand what they have to do following my advice .”
She also has a visual field perimeter machine , which checks the field of view and the eye ’ s sensitivity , including central vision and side vision . — The Health
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