13 eye care tips your optometrist wishes you knew

They also hold clues about your health. Eye doctors are often the first to notice serious diseases ­– including brain tumours, hypertension and diabetes – by examining the condition of the blood vessels in your retina.

…Or an annual one if they’re over the age of 60. A 2018 study by the Canadian Association of Optometrist found that two out of three seniors had an eye condition such as cataracts, glaucoma or macular degeneration.

Don’t miss these everyday habits that can save your eyesight.

Glaucoma, the leading cause of irreversible blindness, is called a ‘silent thief’ for good reason. “In the early stages, it’s asymptomatic,” says optometrist Kirsten North. “The only way to catch it before significant damage has occurred is with regular eye exams.”

Check out these signs that you need to visit an eye doctor.

A sight test in a store that sells eyeglasses is not the same as an eye exam with an optomet­rist. Using automated equipment doesn’t provide the full picture of your eyes’ health, including muscle coordination, alignment or lens irregularities.

Read on for the silent signs you might have eye cataracts.

If you don’t, the smooth tear film on the surface of your eye starts to break up, making it more difficult for you to tell which lens is clearest.

Here is some eye-care advice to protect your vision.

Thinking about ordering glasses online? Simply inputting your prescription isn’t a guarantee that the specs will fit your vision needs and lifestyle. A prescription that isn’t exactly right can lead to headaches, nausea and fatigue.

Does eye colour reveal things about your health? Read on to find out.

Regular eye exams are especially important if you wear contacts. “Because you manipulate your lenses with your hands, you’re at an increased risk of infection,” says North.

Even just for a nap. “Closing your eyes adds an extra layer blocking oxygen to your cornea, and germs love any environment that’s dark and moist,” says North. If you spend all night with your contacts in, your risk of corneal ulcers is 10 to 15 times greater

Acanthamoeba, a rare but nasty sight-­destroying bug, may lurk in your water supply.

Read on for some more things you should never clean with water.

And most bifocals and reading glasses aren’t designed for computer use. “Get prescription eyewear specifically for work,” says North.