How often should you go to the eye doctor based on your age?

More than 80% of vision problems are avoidable or treatable if they are detected in time, according to group specialists Quirónsalud in a statement on the occasion of World Sight Day.

In this regard, the doctor Itziar Colomaa specialist in the Ophthalmology Service of the Quirónsalud Elche Medical Center, has pointed out that although the majority of the population associates eye health with good visual acuity, there are silent diseases that, such as glaucoma or age-related macular degeneration, They do not present symptoms in their initial stagesbut they can cause irreversible damage if not diagnosed in time.

Among the most common visual problems are refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism), presbyopia in people over 40 yearscataracts and diabetic retinopathy.

In addition, digital eye fatigue has become relevant, especially among those who work or study in front of screens during long days, the doctor has pointed out Enrique Lopezhead of the Ophthalmology Service at the Quirónsalud Valencia Hospital and Quirónsalud Mercado de Colón Medical Center.

“Digital eye fatigue is a set of symptoms derived from prolonged use of electronic screens” and this overexposure “fatigues the eye muscles and reduces blinking, generating dryness, blurred vision, headache and eye fatigue,” explains the doctor. Manuel Losadahead of the Ophthalmology Service at the Quirónsalud Murcia Hospital.

Among the main causes of digital eye strain are the continued use of screens without taking adequate breaks, poor lighting in the environment or incorrect postures when working or studyingas well as the lack of ocular lubrication caused by reduced blinking during the use of devices.

“In addition, not using adequate optical correction, either by not wearing glasses when necessary or by using an incorrect prescription, increases visual effort and favors the appearance of discomfort,” adds the doctor. Lopez.

To protect your eyesight from excessive use of screens, the Quirónsalud specialist recommends adopting a series of simple but very effective habits. Among them, apply the well-known 20-20-20 rule, which consists of looking at an object located about six meters away for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes of visual work.

It is also important to maintain a minimum distance from among 50 and 60 centimeters with respect to the screen, as well as adjust brightness and the contrast to avoid reflections and strain your eyes less. In addition, it is advisable to blink frequently and use artificial tears in case of dry eyes.

Other key aspects are take care of ambient lighting and posture during the use of devices, and ensure adequate rest, since lack of sleep significantly increases eye fatigue.

Visual checks

Likewise, specialists emphasize the importance of performing routine checkups even in the absence of symptoms. “Many serious eye pathologies are silent. Glaucoma, for example, can progress for years without showing signs. Checking your eyesight regularly is the only way to detect them in time and preserve your vision,” warns Dr. Losada.

The first ophthalmological examination must be carried out between 3 and 4 yearsbefore the start of school, to detect possible early visual alterations and in the case of children, it is advisable to have a check-up before the age of 6 and another at the beginning of adolescence.

The young adults should undergo a visual check every two or three years if they have no symptoms or family history. From the 40 yearswhen the risk of suffering from pathologies such as glaucoma, cataracts or presbyopia increases, A review is recommended every one or two years. Finally, those over 60 years old should go to the ophthalmologist at least once a year.

Quirónsalud specialists recommend going to the ophthalmologist whenever we have persistent blurred vision, the appearance of flashes or spots, loss of visual field, eye pain or greater sensitivity to light, as they can be signs of illness that require early diagnosis and treatment.