Eye Health Check-Up and Regular Eye Examination

Seeing clearly does not mean that every structure of the eye is healthy. Some eye conditions may progress in their early stages without causing noticeable complaints. A regular eye health check-up helps individual risk factors to be assessed and the necessary follow-up plan to be drawn up.

The need for a check-up is not determined by age alone. A family history of eye disease, diabetes, medication in use, high myopia and findings from previous examinations are also assessed.

Do I Need an Eye Examination If I Have No Complaints?

Some people do. Glaucoma and retinal changes related to diabetes in particular may not cause a loss of vision that the person would notice at the outset.

For this reason, attending an examination only once complaints have started may not be sufficient for people at risk. The interval between check-ups is determined according to the assessment of an ophthalmologist.

For Whom Is a Regular Eye Check-Up Particularly Important?

• Those with glaucoma or an inherited eye condition in the family

• Those with diabetes or hypertension

• Those with high myopia

• Those previously diagnosed with an eye condition or who have had eye surgery

• Those taking medication that may affect the eyes

• Those in whom a finding requiring follow-up was detected at a previous examination

As age advances, the need for near vision, the condition of the natural lens and the health of the retina also become more important in the assessment.

What Is Assessed During an Eye Health Check-Up?

The check-up examines the level of vision, the need for glasses and the front part of the eye. The eye pressure, the optic nerve and the retinal assessment are considered together with individual risk factors and the examination findings.

Comparison with previous results helps changes over time to be understood. The stages of the examination are explained in detail on the General Eye Examination page.

Does an Eye Check-Up Consist of the Same Tests for Everyone?

In everyday language, the phrase “eye check-up” may be used to describe a comprehensive eye assessment. However, it does not mean that everyone should undergo the same investigations with the same devices.

OCT, visual field testing, corneal mapping or other investigations are selected according to the history, the risk factors and the findings detected during the examination. Carrying out more tests does not on its own mean a more appropriate assessment.

What Is Considered with Regard to Glaucoma?

The family history, the intraocular pressure and the appearance of the optic nerve are assessed together. Where necessary, the assessment is completed with OCT and visual field investigations.

In people with suspected or diagnosed glaucoma, check-ups may require a follow-up plan that differs from a general routine examination. The details of this process are set out on the Glaucoma Follow-Up page.

Fundus Examination in Diabetes and Hypertension

Diabetes and hypertension may affect the blood vessels in the retina. A fundus assessment may be required even when vision has not yet changed.

The frequency of check-ups is arranged according to the duration of the condition, the current ocular findings and the assessment of the relevant physicians. Where it is considered necessary, additional imaging or referral to the relevant field is arranged.

Regular Eye Check-Ups for Contact Lens Wearers

Seeing clearly and comfortably with contact lenses does not mean that there is no problem on the ocular surface. Regular check-ups assess the condition of the cornea and the tear film, the fit of the lens on the eye and wearing habits.

The daily wearing time of the lenses, the replacement schedule, care products and the habit of sleeping in lenses are reviewed. The frequency of check-ups is determined according to the type of lens, the condition of the ocular surface and the findings of previous examinations.

When burning, stinging, redness or blurred vision begins, the planned check-up date should not be awaited. If there is pain, sensitivity to light or reduced vision in particular, the lens should be removed and the eye assessed without delay.

Detailed information about lens suitability and the scope of the examination can be found on the General Eye Examination page.

How Often Should I Have an Eye Examination?

There is no single check-up interval that applies to everyone. The follow-up frequency may differ between a low-risk person whose previous examination was normal and someone with suspected glaucoma or diabetes.

At Op. Dr. Gökay Günay’s practice in Nişantaşı, Şişli, the check-up plan is drawn up by assessing age, medical history and ocular findings together. Where there is a known eye condition, the follow-up schedule for that condition is taken as the basis.

What Should I Do If Complaints Begin Before My Check-Up Date?

When a new change in vision develops, the planned check-up date should not be awaited. Sudden loss of vision, severe pain, flashes of light, a sudden increase in floaters or a curtain-like shadow in particular require urgent assessment.

This information is for general guidance only; it does not replace individual medical assessment. Check-up intervals and the investigations required are determined by examination.