At the outset let me explain what a "Complete Eye Check UP" would generally comprise of:

1) Visual Acuity Testing- This is done with the help of a standardised chart projected at 6 metres or 20 feet.  Standard size alphabets, a broken ring or the letter E are used to measure acuity of vision.

Colour Vision Testing- Can be carried out routinely with Ishihara charts. 

2) Intra Ocular Pressure (IOP)- This is done with a Non Contact Tonometer (NCT) and when indicated with an Applanation Tonometer.

3) Torch Light examination for checking movements of eyes individually and together.  Pupilllary Reflexes

4) Slit Lamp examination to look at the front lying structures of the eyes

5) Dilated Pupil examination and Cycloplegic refraction for detailed look at the crystalline lens of the eye and retina.

An annual Complete Eye Examination gives you the following benefits;

(1) Objective Recording of change in visual acuity.

(2) Variation of IOP ( Intra ocular pressure) at different times in a day which is important in diagnosis as well as treatment of Glaucoma.

(3) Change in the power of 'corrective lenses'

(4) Early detection of progressive diseases such as Cataract and Glaucoma and their susequent follow up

(5) Detection of silent diseases such as macular degeneration

(6) Diseases affecting on eye only are often missed as the normal eye covers up. Retinal vascular blocks, haemorrhages, retinal detachments are many a time diagnosed on a routine check up.

(7) Breaks in the Retina and potentially dangerous degenerative changes are also detected and documented during routine examination.           

People suffering from Hypertension, Diabetes, Rheumatoid Arthritis, Ankylosing Spondylosis and several other systemic diseases should be going for a regular eye check up as a part of their disease management programme.

The age old adage comes true-"A Stitch in time saves Nine"