A WARRINGTON-based optician has warned residents about the dangers of missing vital eye tests during lockdown.

While many people have not been able to book appointments during the coronaviris crisis, they are now being urged to do so if they notice any changes in their vision.

Specsavers Warrington store director, Clare Kearns, said: "Fifty per cent of sight loss is avoidable with early detection, however, during the pandemic many people may not have had access to these diagnostic tests.

"Not only does this mean their eyesight is at risk but potentially other aspects of their health too.

"That’s because while there are several changes we may notice in our vision which could be a sign of a wider health condition, there are also some things that can only be detected during an eye test.

"It is important to make an appointment with your optometrist if you are seeing certain things, such as persistent floaters, or notice changes with your eyes such as blurred vision or yellowing of the eyes.

"However, it is also important to keep up your regular eye checks, even if you don’t think there is anything wrong with your vision, because something could be happening which you are completely unaware of."

Specsavers, which has a branch at Golden Square, has shared five changes you may notice in your eyes and what they mean, as well as conditions that can be detected during an eye test.

  • Red spots - these can often be caused by broken blood vessels from something as simple as a cough or sneeze but could be an indication of high blood pressure if they remain red for some time.
  • Persistent floaters (black or grey specs/cobwebs which drift when you move your eyes) - Most people will experience them at some point but noticing more than usual, a sudden onset, flashes of light or darkness on the side of your vision could indicate a tear, injury, diabetic retinopathy or high cholesterol.
  • Blue ring - this is caused by cholesterol deposits in the eye and is more common in those aged 60. If these develop in the under 40s, there may be a greater risk of developing heart disease.
  • Yellow tinge - typically this is caused by jaundice and could signify there is a problem with the liver, gallbladder or pancreas.
  • Blurred vision - it can be caused by many things and it is vital people get it checked.

Visit www.specsavers.co.uk for more information.