When You Should See an Eye Doctor
18 Warning Signs to Look Out For
Regular eye exams are crucial for not only your eye health, but also your overall well-being. You should schedule an annual eye exam with your eye doctor to keep your vision prescription updated and check your eyes for any signs of underlying conditions. If you notice changes in your vision or eye pain in between yearly eye exams, these may be signs that it's necessary to see your eye doctor more frequently. We've compiled a list of 18 warning signs to look out for, so you know when it's time to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor.
1. It's Been Over a Year Since Your Last Eye Exam
The first warning sign is in your medical chart. If it has been over a year since your last scheduled eye exam, you are at risk for eye conditions that can progress without any initial indications. Early diagnosis is crucial for treating eye diseases like cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration. In addition, a comprehensive eye exam can detect the earliest signs of systemic conditions like diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Don't wait until you have symptoms; schedule your yearly eye exam today.
2. You Have Blurry Vision
A change in vision is the number one reason to see an eye doctor. Blurry vision can be an indicator of nearsightedness, a problem with your prescription or trauma to the eye. Don't let blurry vision go unchecked, because it can result in eye strain or eye damage.
3. You Have to Squint to Read
If you notice that you've been squinting to read or have to hold books or magazines at a certain distance, you could be exhibiting signs of farsightedness. Frequently, people tend to dismiss these symptoms as a sign of aging, but neglecting to get an eye exam could lead to even more vision loss, headaches and eye strain. See your eye doctor and discuss any need for an updated prescription.
4. Something is Stuck in Your Eye
If a foreign object like dirt or debris or any chemical becomes lodged in your eye, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention from an eye doctor. Never try to remove the foreign object yourself, because there is a risk of further damage, scratching and irritation. In the meantime, try rinsing your eye with saline solution. Remember: do not rub your eyes, because this could exacerbate the problem.
5. Your Eyes are Red or Itchy
When your eyes always seem to be red or itchy, it's a sign that an eye exam is needed. Typically, symptoms like these are associated with allergies. Your eye doctor can help you identify the cause and recommend or prescribe allergy eye drops.
6. You're Experiencing Dry Eyes
Dry eyes can result from living in a dry or windy climate, taking certain medications, wearing contact lenses or even being dehydrated. However, if dry eyes persist, it's a sign to see the eye doctor. Your eye doctor can help identify the cause and recommend the best treatment.
7. You Have Watery Eyes
It may come as a surprise, but watery eyes can also be a sign of dry eyes. Increased tear production may result from your body trying to remedy the situation by overcompensating. You can try using over-the-counter artificial tears. If the problem persists, it may be a sign you need to see the eye doctor.
8. You're Seeing Spots, Flashes or Floaters
Any significant change in your vision is a warning sign for when to see the eye doctor. Spots, flashes of light or floaters that drift in and out of sight can all be indicators of serious eye problems. These could even be symptoms of retinal damage, leading to severe complications including vision loss. If you have these symptoms, schedule an eye appointment immediately.
9. You Have Preexisting Health Conditions–Like Diabetes
If you have preexisting health conditions, like diabetes, you're more susceptible to eye problems than others. Make sure to review your medical history with your eye doctor at your next appointment, because you may need to visit more frequently to assure your eyes stay healthy and functioning.
10. Members of Your Family Have Eye Problems
Many eye problems are hereditary. If your family members have been diagnosed with cataracts, glaucoma or macular degeneration, you could be at a higher risk. When you schedule an appointment with your eye doctor, make sure to review your family history.
11. You're Having Motion Sickness or Dizzy Spells
In some cases, motion sickness and dizzy spells are related to a misalignment of the eye, resulting in intense eye strain. This condition is called binocular vision dysfunction. This eye problem can make it hard to focus and also cause headaches.
12. You Have Headaches, Fatigue or Eye Strain
Headaches, fatigue and eye strain can all be interrelated. When we experience eye strain, it results in symptoms throughout the body. A major trigger can be spending a lot of time on the computer, reading in low light or wearing an outdated glasses prescription. When you meet with your eye doctor, discuss how much time you spend reading or working on the computer. It may also be beneficial to explore the benefits of blue light glasses.
13. It's Difficult for You to See at Night
Problems seeing at night, especially driving at night, can be a sign of advanced age or a change in your glasses prescription. In some cases, however, it can be a sign of cataracts. Don't ignore early symptoms of night blindness, because they are vital signs that it's time to see your eye doctor.
14. You're Experiencing Light Sensitivity
Light sensitivity is often associated with migraines, but it can also indicate eye problems like inflammation, scarring or corneal damage. If you're experiencing light sensitivity, it is essential to see an eye doctor as soon as possible to address the issue.
15. You're Seeing Double
Double vision, or diplopia, is an urgent abnormality that your eye doctor needs to address as soon as possible. It could be a sign of eye issues like astigmatism, retina degeneration, cornea damage or even nervous system problems.
16. You're Seeing Light Halos
Seeing halos around lights, especially at night, is one of the main signs of astigmatism. Astigmatism is caused by a misshapen cornea, which makes it difficult for the eye to focus. Special glasses and contacts exist to address the issue. Halos are a sure sign you need to see your eye doctor to diagnose the problem.
17. You Have General Eye Pain
Any sort of general eye pain is a sign that it's time to see the eye doctor. Eye pain could be caused by simple problems, like computer eye strain or a change in prescription. However, eye pain can be a sign of a larger issue. Never ignore eye discomfort—make an appointment with your eye doctor to discuss it.
18. You Notice any Changes in Vision
The number one sign to look out for when deciding if it's time to see the eye doctor is any change in your vision. Vision changes can include blurriness, light halos, flashes of light, floaters or spots. They can be small or big, but even the smallest changes could be indicators of a large issue. If you're ever in doubt, make an appointment with your eye doctor for an eye exam!
Information received through Visionworks® content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, medical recommendations, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your eye doctor, physician, or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Claims regarding blue light efficiency are supported by manufacturer-provided test results.
