Eyes are windows to general health

The eyes are a very important diagnostic window into the workings of our body, writes Kilcullen's EyeZone optometrist Nichola Kennedy. In addition to capturing millions of images per day and allowing the brain to do such complex tasks as configuring shapes and images to alphabet letters, they are the start of the journey into speech and the thought process.

Regardless of age, health or visual needs an eye exam reveals a lot more information to your Optometrist than just determining your prescription for your glasses or contact lenses. They also check your eyes for common eye diseases, assess how your eyes work together as a team and evaluate your eyes as an indicator of your overall health. Your optometrist is a front line of defence for other health care professionals in detecting chronic systemic diseases such as high blood pressure and diabetes and other diseases.

Now consider how do you take care of your eyes? A routine eye exam at least every two years is important. In Ireland this is FREE with your PPS or medical cards.

Also imagine the importance of vision to children. Learning is all visual, how we teach children letter and shape association, learning their letters like S for the snake, associating the picture with a shape and word — the sound of a snake ssssssss. This is vital to your child, even more than for us 'grown-ups'.

Many times, a child performing poorly in tests may just be the result of a visual problem. Caught early, we can prevent this from stunting a child’s growth. Last year we demonstrated it with the EyeZone Gaps campaign, and we will do something similar this year.

Please have your eyes and your child’s eyes tested regularly.

PREVIOUSLY
Dry Eye Syndrome, a treatable condition

(This is a sponsored post from Nichola Kennedy FAOI, based at the crossroads on Kilcullen's Main Street. Though the building she occupies is for sale, her practice will be remaining there. She can be contacted at 045 484643.)