The American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends that most adults have a comprehensive eye exam every year or two. However, that does not mean you should wait until your next regularly scheduled appointment if you have any concerns about your vision.
There are many reasons why a trip to the eye doctor may be warranted, from persistent eye discomfort to floaters in your vision. Your eye doctor has the expertise to help you regain optimal eye health and guide you towards the appropriate treatment or corrective measures.
Keep reading to discover seven signs that it’s time to visit the eye doctor!
1. Your Vision is Blurry
Blurry vision is one of the most common eye-related complaints. Often, it is caused by a simple refractive error, whether nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or presbyopia.
These can be easily corrected with glasses, contacts, or corrective surgery. Sometimes, blurriness is a sign of a more serious condition.
For example, a cataract can make your vision blurry or cloudy. Infections and various diseases can also affect your eye’s ability to focus.
If your vision is blurry, it’s worth visiting your doctor to identify the root cause and restore clarity.
2. You’re Experiencing Eye Strain or Fatigue
Most people who have spent prolonged periods looking at a screen are familiar with eye strain. However, this is not the only reason why your eyes may feel tired or fatigued.
Many factors can contribute to eye strain, and these cannot always be corrected on your own. Dry eye syndrome and an uncorrected refractive error can leave your eyes feeling strained.
The best course of action when you’re experiencing eye strain or fatigue is to make an appointment with your eye doctor. By addressing the underlying problem, they’ll have you feeling good as new.
3. You Keep Having Headaches
You might be surprised to learn that headaches can be caused by eye issues. If you keep having headaches, it’s a good idea to check if they are stemming from an eye condition.
When you can’t see clearly, you inadvertently strain the muscles in your eyes, which can trigger a headache. Other conditions affecting the eye muscles, such as strabismus, can result in headaches as well.
In addition, conditions like glaucoma can increase your eye pressure, which can potentially lead to the onset of headaches. An appointment with your eye doctor allows you to either figure out the source of your headaches or rule out eye-related issues as a cause.
Either way, you’ll be on your way to fewer headaches.
4. You’re Experiencing Eye Discomfort
Do you ever experience an itching, burning, or stinging sensation in your eyes? These are all classic symptoms of dry eye syndrome.
More than sixteen million Americans experience dry eyes. Ocular dryness is caused by an inadequacy of tears.
Dry eyes are often effectively treated with artificial tears or eye drops that moisturize the surface of your eyes. These can help your eyes feel comfortable.
Dry eyes can also be worsened by environmental factors, such as wind, heating and air conditioning, and extended screen time. Your eye doctor will be glad to discuss ways you can alleviate eye discomfort by modifying your environment and consuming foods that promote proper hydration.
5. You’re Seeing Floaters or Flashes of Light
Floaters can take many forms. They may be dark spots in your vision, or they can look like little bits of string.
You can’t look right at them because they’ll appear to float away. Flashes of light are the opposite: instead of being dark, they are bright bursts of light. They can appear like lightning.
If you’re suddenly seeing floaters or flashes of light, contact your eye doctor right away. While they can be harmless, they can also be caused by a serious condition affecting the retina.
Without prompt treatment, retinal conditions can lead to permanent vision loss.
6. You’re Having Difficulty Driving at Night
Do you find it hard to drive at night? Do you try to avoid driving when the sun goes down? You don’t have to live that way.
Difficulty driving in the dark can occur for several different reasons. When you have a cataract or another condition that worsens glare and halos around lights, oncoming headlights can make it incredibly difficult to see.
Similarly, astigmatism can turn light sources into imprecise streaks. Driving with vision problems, especially at night, poses a danger to you and others.
Your eye doctor can make you feel safe on the road at night again.
7. You Notice Changes in Your Color Vision
Have you noticed that colors appear less vibrant than they used to? Do you find it hard to tell colors apart? Does there seem to be a yellow or brown tone over everything?
These can all be signs of an underlying condition, including eye conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, and more. Changes in your color vision can also result from other conditions, such as leukemia and sickle cell anemia.
By visiting your eye doctor, you can undergo a comprehensive exam to identify why your color vision is being affected. Even if the changes in your color vision are not immediately concerning, it is still beneficial to have your eyes examined to catch any potential issues early on and to provide peace of mind.
If you’re experiencing any of these signs, it’s time to visit the eye doctor. Schedule your appointment at Hayden Vision in Evansville, IN, today!