We all know that getting regular eye exams is important. Adults should undergo an eye exam at least once every two years, though your optometrist may recommend you come visit more often.
You don’t want to take risks when it comes to your eye health. Any type of eye pain or discomfort can make it hard to function—and sometimes, it can be an indicator of a more serious problem, such as an infection or a vision-impairing condition.
Signs You Might Need to See the Eye Doctor
Frequent Headaches – If you work in front of a computer for an extended period of time, or notice yourself having headaches and dont know what the cause is? Frequent headaches are usually rooted in vision problems. Vision changes are typically slow, so you may not notice them over time. However, frequent headaches may indicate that your vision has changed and that your eyes are strained as a result.
Eye Irritation – If you notice your eyes are red, itchy, sensitive to light, these are all good indicators that a visit to the eye doctor is warranted.
Loss / Change in Vision – such as sudden spots, flashes of light, lightning streaks or jagged lines of light, wavy or watery vision, blurry faces, decreased vision in one or both eyes.
Problem Reading – if you have to move reading materials further away from your face to see it clearer then this is a good sign that you should go to the eye doctor’s because you might need some glasses for reading.
Problem Seeing at Night – If you feel like you could see well during the day but when you are driving at night time you feel like you can’t see too well this is another good indicator that you might need to have your eyes checked out.
Problem Seeing things far away – if you are having problems reading street signs, or if you are a student and are having trouble reading the board in class then you should make an appointment with your eye doctor.
Light Sensitivity – Light sensitivity may indicate a more serious problem and is a common symptom of a number of eye disorders, diseases, and infections. You should book an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible.
Dry Eye – Seasonal allergies can make our eyes dry and itchy, as can prolonged screen use. However, it may also indicate that you have dry eye. Book an appointment with you eye doctor today to see if you are experiencing dry eye.
Problem with near or distant vision – If you are finding yourself squinting to read road signs or have to hold your book at arm’s length to make out the tiny print, you should make an appointment with your eye doctor. Changes to your near or far vision typically indicate that your prescription has changed.
Summary
It is important to treat our eyes with care throughout our lives. Ignoring changes in vision or skipping eye examinations puts our most precious faculty at risk. So, don’t wait until you feel like you are having trouble seeing before coming in for an eye exam, it is just as important as your routine dental exam as well as your physical exam.
If you have vision problems or an eye disease your eye doctor may recommend you visit them more frequently.
