In this pandemic, most of us are wary of going out and even more scared of visiting doctors in a hospital. Only when symptoms are severe do we decide to go in for a check up. Unfortunately, even pre-pandemic, when it comes to order of priority, an eye check up is always last on our to-do list.

Filipinos are known sufferers— “matiisin.” I’ve witnessed this in so many patients. They come in with humongous tumors in their eyes, too late for any treatment, because they thought the lump would go away on its own.

Slowly progressing blurring of vision is not as concerning as, say abdominal pain. So when the patient finally decides to see an eye doctor, vision is already permanently lost.

Vision loss is serious and, unless it is due to cataracts, it can be irreversible. So while we are able, we should make our eyesight a priority.

Children should be screened as early as a year old so that in case they need glasses, refraction is done right away for immediate improvement in vision. Yearly check ups should be performed thereafter, especially if they have refractive errors, so that glasses are changed accordingly.

For seemingly healthy adults, no eye concern is too trivial. It is better to be cautious and have it checked. You’ll be sorry later on if the case turns sinister.

Older individuals with co-morbid conditions such as diabetes and hypertension should also have regular eye check ups. Retinal problems from these metabolic diseases can be controlled by medication, proper diet, exercise and regular visits to your eye doctor.

Eye check ups are essential. You only have two eyes — lose one and you’ll never get your vision back.