Imagine waking up one morning to find the world suddenly blurred at the edges. Darkness quietly creeps into familiar scenes, erasing the clarity you once took for granted. Jane, a 45-year-old accountant, thought her eyes were healthy. But glaucoma was robbing her sight in silence. When Jane finally noticed, the damage was beyond repair. Clear vision alone isn’t proof of healthy eyes. Nearly half of the estimated 700,000 UK residents with glaucoma are unaware they’re affected. Serious eye conditions often arrive quietly, with no warning until it’s too late.
Consider everyday scenarios: you're in a dimly lit restaurant, squinting to read the menu; driving at night, struggling with the glare of oncoming headlights; or missing a step on the stairs because your depth perception isn't quite right. These situations are more than just nuisances—they can be early indicators of underlying eye health issues. However, with regular eye tests, such outcomes can often be prevented, as early detection allows for timely treatment and protection of your vision.
Regular eye tests aren’t just for glasses—they help protect your long-term vision.
This article covers 10 key signs you need an eye test now, and explains how often to go by NHS advice.
Why Regular Eye Tests Matter
Glaucoma affects over 700,000 people in the UK (NHS, 2023), and most don’t notice early symptoms. Regular eye tests enable optometrists to detect changes early and treat issues before they lead to significant sight loss.
A typical eye examination is straightforward and comfortable. It usually includes:
- Checking your vision and prescription (the familiar letter chart)
- Measuring your eye pressure with a quick, painless puff of air or a gentle device
- Assessing how your eyes move and work together
- Examining the retina and optic nerve at the back of the eye with a special magnifying lens
These checks, though simple, can reveal conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and high blood pressure.
Think of an eye test as routine maintenance—a quick, non-invasive check that ensures everything works properly.
NHS Guidelines: How Often Should You Go?
Think of the risk continuum as a range that helps determine how often you should have eye tests, based on your personal health and family history. At the lower end, people without eye problems or relevant history can follow the standard NHS recommendation of an eye test every two years. Further along the continuum—towards higher risk—are people with conditions like diabetes, glaucoma, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye disease.
If you fall into this higher-risk category, annual eye tests are recommended. The risk continuum is a simple tool to assess where you fit and guide how often you should be checked, ensuring early detection of potential issues.
You’re also entitled to a free NHS eye test if you fall into one of these groups:
- ✅ Under 16
- ✅ Aged 16–18 and in full-time education
- ✅ Aged 60 or over
- ✅ Diagnosed with certain conditions, including diabetes or glaucoma
Even if your vision seems fine, taking charge of your eye health can ensure a bright future. Embrace the opportunity to safeguard your sight by following the recommended schedule for eye tests. Prevention is always better than a cure.
10 Signs You Need an Eye Test Now
Even if you’re not due for a routine visit, certain warning signs mean you should book an eye test quickly:
- Blurred or double vision – whether sudden or gradual, this should never be ignored.
- Trouble reading or using screens – words appear fuzzy, or you find yourself holding your phone closer.
- Frequent headaches or eye strain – particularly after computer use or close-up work.
- Difficulty seeing at night – glare from headlights or struggling in low light.
- Halos or glare around lights – sometimes linked to cataracts or corneal changes.
- Sudden flashes of light or new floaters - could signal retinal problems that need urgent attention.
- Persistent sore, gritty, or dry eyes – not just an occasional irritation, but ongoing discomfort.
- Over 40 and no eye test in 2+ years - ageing affects our ability to focus on close-up tasks like reading fine print or quickly adjusting to changes in light when driving at night. These everyday frustrations often become more pronounced after the age of 40. To ensure you continue seeing the world clearly, don't skip those necessary checks.
- Family history of glaucoma or serious eye disease – your risk is higher, so stay ahead.
- Diabetes or high blood pressure – both conditions can silently damage the tiny blood vessels in the eyes.
If any of these apply to you, act now. Early eye testing helps prevent permanent damage.
Making Eye Tests Part of Your Routine
Protect your eyesight by treating eye tests like dental check-ups: do them regularly, even if you don't have any issues.
Here are some practical tips:
- Set reminders – add a repeating calendar alert every two years (or annually if the risk is higher).
- Maintain a checklist. Access a complimentary PDF of the '10 Signs You Need an Eye Test' to print or save digitally. This checklist is informed by input from practising optometrists, providing credible and relevant guidance for eye health. You can find it on our website in the Resources section or by following the link provided in this article.
- Book before your glasses feel out-of-date. Vision changes can be subtle, but regular eye health checks are essential, even if your prescription remains unchanged.
Final Thoughts
Your eyesight is too valuable to leave to chance. Regular tests are a simple and effective way to protect your vision.
Most people should book every two years, but individuals in higher-risk groups or those with warning signs shouldn’t wait. Schedule an appointment with your optometrist or visit the NHS website to check for free test eligibility and book an appointment.
For added convenience, consider signing up with an eye care professional who offers online appointment scheduling or telephone booking. Always ensure to verify their credentials and availability through your local services directory or the NHS website. Taking these small steps can help you stay proactive about your eye health.
For those not eligible for a free NHS test, private eye test costs can typically range from £20 to £30, depending on the provider. However, some optometrists may offer discounts or packages to make eye care more accessible. Exploring these options can help reduce uncertainty and assist you in finding the most affordable care.
Don’t wait for symptoms to appear. Protect your sight with regular checks.
Download your free "10 Signs You Need an Eye Test" checklist as a reminder for you and your family. Developed with input from practicing optometrists, this checklist reflects a professional consensus to help you maintain your eye health effectively.
Additionally, it's important to recognize that children also benefit significantly from regular eye tests. Parents should be vigilant for signs such as squinting, excessive blinking, or difficulty reading, which may indicate vision issues. Regular checks ensure early detection of problems and support healthy visual development.
