Regular visits to the ophthalmologist allow for the early detection of silent eye diseases and timely intervention to preserve long-term vision and prevent complications. Vision loss is one of the health issues that most interfere with well-being and autonomy. Frequency of ophthalmology appointments If there are no vision complaints or indications for a different frequency of appointments, it is recommended that: Children are observed by an ophthalmologist for the first time between 3-4 years of age; Regular routine checkups should be performed throughout life, and from the age of 50 should be at least every 3 years. Warning signs The following are warning signs that always should prompt a visit to an ophthalmologist: Sudden decrease or loss of vision; Double or blurred vision; Eye pain or discomfort; Sensitivity to light; Appearance of spots in the eyes; Sensation of flashes of light; Difficulty focusing on objects; Need for brighter light to read; Persistent redness or tearing; Persistent sensation of a foreign body in the eyes. Common causes of irreversible vision loss The three most common eye diseases that can cause irreversible vision loss and are preventable and/or controllable when identified and treated early are: Amblyopia; Glaucoma; Diabetic retinopathy. Amblyopia Amblyopia, or lazy eye , mainly affects children and can have various causes, for example: Refractive errors: hyperopia, astigmatism, or high myopia Strabismus, which is a deviation from binocularity and binocular alignment Opacities, as occur in congenital cataracts To correct any vision problems and avoid the consequences of amblyopia, screening is essential and is done: By the pediatrician in the neonatal period and in regular health monitoring during pediatric consultations until 3 years of age, A first ophthalmological consultation performed at 3-4 years of age. Glaucoma Glaucoma is the second most important visual health problem in Portugal. It mainly affects people over 50 years of age. It can cause irreversible vision loss in many people; It is sometimes associated with ocular hypertension, Vision loss associated with glaucoma is often silent. It can progress with peripheral visual field losses that are barely perceptible until they reach advanced stages. To prevent glaucoma and its complications, it is important to see an ophthalmologist at least every 3 years starting at age 50. Diabetic retinopathy Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes, especially important when the disease is poorly controlled (or with glycated hemoglobin values above 7.5%-8%). All diabetic patients, with or without ocular symptoms, should have an annual ophthalmological check-up. This check-up may involve, in addition to the consultation, complementary diagnostic tests of the retina, for example, optical coherence tomography or retinography. Other eye diseases In older people, e specially those over 65, there is also macular degeneration. From this age onwards, when vision loss is felt, it should not be automatically attributed to a refractive change, that is, to a need to change the prescription for glasses or contact lenses. In fact, at these ages, vision loss is frequently due to common degenerative conditions such as cataracts or macular degeneration, the latter causing a characteristic distortion of the central part of vision (metamorphopsia). Author : Tiago Silva (ophthalmology) Meet the ophthalmology clinial team from Hospital da Luz network. The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
