Your eyesight is one of your most vital senses. Yet, many Filipinos delay routine eye checkups until a problem arises. A Comprehensive Eye Screening goes beyond checking whether you need glasses; it helps detect early signs of eye diseases, monitors vision changes, and supports long-term ocular health.
According to the Department of Health (DOH) and local ophthalmology groups, thousands of Filipinos experience vision issues each year, with a significant number remaining undiagnosed. Recent 2024 reports indicate that nearly 4 in 10 adults in the Philippines delay or skip eye exams despite experiencing symptoms such as blurry vision, eye strain, or headaches. Limited access to eye care, especially in rural areas, continues to be a challenge.
What Is a Comprehensive Eye Screening?
A Comprehensive Eye Screening is a full evaluation of your eye health and vision. It is more detailed than a basic vision screening and includes multiple tests to check for eye diseases, vision problems, and other health issues that can be detected through the eyes.
These exams are usually conducted by:
Optometrists – Eye care professionals who provide vision care, prescribe corrective lenses, and diagnose common eye conditions.
Ophthalmologists – Medical doctors who can perform surgeries and manage more complex eye diseases.
According to the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology, regular eye exams help detect issues like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration before symptoms become severe.
Why Are Eye Exams Important?
As lifestyles change and digital screen use continues to increase, eye health challenges are becoming more common. Comprehensive eye exams serve as a proactive measure to maintain vision quality and overall health.
Increased Screen Time
The rise in online learning and work-from-home setups has increased average screen time in the Philippines. This prolonged exposure contributes to digital eye strain, leading to symptoms such as headaches, blurry vision, and dry eyes.
A 2024 study by a local university found that over 65% of office workers and students in Metro Manila experience digital eye strain regularly.
Growing Risk of Myopia in Children
More Filipino children are developing nearsightedness (myopia) due to limited outdoor activity and increased gadget use. If left unmanaged, myopia can progress to high myopia, which raises the risk of retinal damage and glaucoma later in life.
Age-Related Vision Issues
As the population ages, conditions such as presbyopia, cataracts, and macular degeneration are becoming more common. Early diagnosis through routine eye exams allows timely treatment and improved outcomes.
What Happens During a Comprehensive Eye Screening?
An eye exam usually lasts around an hour, more or less, and involves several steps:
Advanced clinics like Shinagawa offer Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), which provides detailed cross-sectional images of the retina. This helps in the early diagnosis of serious eye conditions.
These tests help build a complete picture of your eye health, allowing for timely treatment and recommendations.
How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?
The frequency of eye exams depends on age, risk factors, and existing medical conditions. Refer to the table below for general guidelines:
Age Group / Risk Factor | Recommended Frequency | Purpose |
Children (under 18) | At least once before school starts, then every 1–2 years | Monitor development and detect issues like lazy eye early |
Adults (18–39) | Every 2 years if asymptomatic | Detect early signs of myopia, eye strain, or screen fatigue |
Adults (40–60) | Every 1–2 years | Monitor for presbyopia, glaucoma, and other midlife changes |
Seniors (60 and older) | Annually | Check for cataracts, AMD, and age-related degeneration |
Diabetes, hypertension, or family history of eye disease | Annually or as advised by a specialist | Screen for diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, etc. |
Signs You Might Need an Eye Exam Sooner
Certain symptoms should prompt an immediate visit to your eye doctor:
- Sudden blurry or double vision
- Eye strain or fatigue
- Frequent headaches
- Light sensitivity or halos around lights
- Trouble seeing at night
- Dry or watery eyes
- Redness, swelling, or discharge
Ignoring these signs may delay the diagnosis of serious underlying conditions such as glaucoma or diabetic eye disease.
How to Choose the Right Eye Clinic or Specialist
When choosing an eye care provider, consider the following:
- Licensed and experienced optometrists or ophthalmologists
- Accreditation from the Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology
- Positive online reviews and patient testimonials
- Updated diagnostic and imaging equipment
- Transparent pricing and service inclusions
Clinics like Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics stand out for their advanced diagnostic tools, patient care standards, and track record in eye health management.
Take Care of Your Vision and gain Confidence
Your eyes are your windows to the world. Prioritizing regular eye exams is one of the most effective ways to safeguard your vision and detect potential health problems early.
Shinagawa Lasik & Aesthetics, a leader in eye care in the Philippines, offers state-of-the-art diagnostics and personalized consultations to support your long-term vision health.
Book your comprehensive eye exam today and take the first step toward clearer, healthier vision for years to come.
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Citations and Resources
Shinagawa LASIK & Aesthetics strives to provide accurate and reliable information regarding LASIK procedures and eye health. We utilize primary sources to support our content, including peer-reviewed scientific studies, data from reputable medical organizations, and expert opinions. We also reference established publications and research where appropriate.
Our commitment to evidence-based information ensures that you receive trustworthy and up-to-date details to make informed decisions about your eye care.
Resources Used in This Article
- Word Blind Union. “Country report from the Philippines to the mid-term regional general assembly, Thailand, 27-29 November 2023, https://wbuap.org/archives/1587“
- Philippine Eye Research Institute. “Philippine Eye Disease Study, https://www.peri.ph/philippine-eye-disease-study“
- Philippine E-Journals. “A correlational study between the degree of digital eye strain and total screen time among medical students, https://ejournals.ph/article.php?id=25066“
- Cleveland Clinic. “How Often Do You Really Need an Eye Exam?, https://health.clevelandclinic.org/how-often-should-you-get-an-eye-exam“
- US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Why Eye Exams Are Important, https://www.cdc.gov/vision-health/about-eye-disorders/why-eye-exams-are-important.html“
- Philippine News Agency. “DOH, experts bat for better eye care services, https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1085248“