Why It’s Time to Book an Eye Test If You Haven’t Been Seen Since Before Covid

Why It’s Time to Book an Eye Test If You Haven’t Been Seen Since Before Covid

If you haven’t had an eye test since 2019, you are certainly not alone.

For many people, the disruption caused by COVID changed routines in a way that lasted far beyond lockdowns. Appointments were postponed, priorities shifted, and for some, regular eye care simply slipped down the list. Even now, there are still plenty of people who have not returned to the habit of routine sight tests.

But if your last eye examination was before the pandemic, now is the ideal time to book back in.

A lot can change in a few years

Eyesight and eye health do not always change in ways you notice straight away. Vision can alter gradually, and some eye conditions develop with very few early symptoms. You may feel that your eyes are “fine”, but without a professional examination it can be difficult to know whether your prescription, eye comfort, or eye health has changed.

A routine eye test is not just about whether you need new glasses. It is a valuable health check for your eyes and an opportunity to look at comfort, screen strain, dry eye symptoms, contact lenses, and the latest improvements in eyewear.

Today’s eye examination is more advanced than many people realise

If it has been a while since your last appointment, you may be surprised by how much eye care technology has developed.

At Andrew & Rogers Optometrists, a sight test can involve far more than reading letters on a chart. Modern diagnostic technology allows us to assess the health of your eyes in much more detail and helps us detect changes earlier.

OCT machines

OCT, or Optical Coherence Tomography, provides a highly detailed scan of the structures beneath the surface of the eye. It allows us to look at the retina in cross-section and can support early detection and monitoring of a range of eye health concerns.

For patients who have not attended for several years, OCT can be particularly valuable because it gives a much deeper understanding of eye health and provides reassurance that nothing important is being missed.

Optos scanners

Optos ultra-widefield imaging gives a detailed view of the retina at the back of the eye, capturing far more than a standard photograph. This means we can assess a much wider area of the eye and build a strong record for monitoring changes over time.

For many patients, seeing these images is helpful in understanding their eye health and why routine examinations matter, even if their vision seems stable.

It is not only about vision — comfort matters too

A lot of patients who have not had an eye test for some time have also simply got used to symptoms such as sore eyes, watery eyes, irritation, blurred vision at the end of the day, or discomfort with screens. These issues are often put down to tiredness, age, or working on computers, but they may be linked to dry eye disease or poor eyelid health.

The good news is that there are now more options than ever to help.

Dry eye treatment, including IPL

Dry eye can affect comfort, vision, reading, driving, and screen use. It can also make contact lenses less comfortable and contribute to fluctuating vision.

Modern dry eye care has developed significantly in recent years. Alongside tailored advice and treatment plans, IPL for dry eye can be an effective option for suitable patients, particularly where meibomian gland dysfunction is a contributing factor. Many people are surprised to learn that ongoing watery, irritated, burning, or gritty eyes may be treatable.

BlephEx treatment

If eyelid hygiene has become an issue, BlephEx treatment can be a useful way to remove debris and biofilm from the eyelid margins. This can support better lid health and may help patients who suffer from blepharitis-related symptoms, irritation, or chronic dry eye problems.

If your eyes often feel uncomfortable, tired, or inflamed, a modern eye examination is a good place to start.

Lens technology has moved on

Even if you already wear glasses, lens technology may have improved considerably since your last pair.

Today’s lenses can offer better clarity, thinner and lighter designs, improved coatings, better performance for screen use, and more tailored options for work, driving, reading, and everyday comfort. Varifocal lens technology in particular continues to develop, giving wearers improved visual comfort and smoother transition across distances.

Many people who have not updated their glasses for years are genuinely surprised by the difference newer lens designs can make.

A fresh frame selection can make all the difference

If it has been a while since your last visit, your style may have changed as well as your prescription.

Trying on a new frame selection can be one of the most enjoyable parts of updating your eyewear. Whether you want something classic, modern, bold, understated, lighter, or more practical for everyday wear, finding the right frame can make you feel more confident and more comfortable wearing your glasses regularly.

A new eye test is often the perfect opportunity for a refresh.

Summer is also a reminder to think about sunglasses

With brighter days and more time spent outdoors, summer is a good time to think about protecting your eyes as well as seeing clearly.

Prescription sunglasses and quality UV protection are important for comfort and eye health. Many patients focus on updating their everyday glasses but forget how useful proper sunglasses can be for driving, holidays, sports, walking, and day-to-day life in bright conditions.

If you have not reviewed your eyewear since 2019, this may be the year to update both your main glasses and your sunglasses.

We can also help with more specialist visual needs

A routine appointment can also be the starting point for more specialist support where needed.

Colourimeter testing

For some patients, visual discomfort, pattern glare, or symptoms linked to reading and screen work may benefit from further assessment. Colourimeter testing can help identify whether precision tinted lenses may offer support in suitable cases.

Contact lens fitting

If you have been thinking about trying contact lenses again, or for the first time, now is a great time to ask about a contact lens fitting. Contact lens technology continues to improve, with more options available for comfort, convenience, and lifestyle needs.

Whether you want lenses for everyday wear, sport, social occasions, or occasional use alongside glasses, there may be a better option than you expect.

If it’s been since 2019, now is the time

If your last sight test was in 2019, you may now be several years overdue for a routine eye examination. Even if your vision seems acceptable, booking an appointment now can help make sure your prescription is current, your eyes are healthy, and any issues with comfort or lifestyle are properly addressed.

It is also a chance to discover how much modern optometry has to offer — from advanced scanning technology and dry eye treatment to new lenses, contact lenses, sunglasses, and eyewear styling.

If it has been a while since we have seen you, we would be delighted to welcome you back.

Book your eye test with Andrew & Rogers Optometrists today and let us help you look after your vision, eye health, and comfort for the years ahead.