Top Signs You Should Visit an Eye Doctor for a Checkup

Many people take their eyes for granted and this may cause you to miss out on some quiet signals that show your eyes need attention. A survey by the American Academy of Ophthalmology found that 2 out of 3 adults in America have vision/eye issues and can do with glasses, contact lenses, or LASIK eye surgery. However, most of them do not go for medical eye exams.

Missing out on checkups can further enhance your vision problems. A regular eye exam ensures that your vision remains strong. It detects diseases early—which can go unnoticed for a long period. Your doctor will check the following during the visit:

• Eye movement
• Eye alignment
• Visual acuity

But how do you know when is the best time to visit an eye doctor? Here are the top signs that will let you know it’s time for an eye exam:

Blurry vision

If you experience a sudden blurry vision, it’s vital that you see an eye care professional immediately! This sign is often a common signal of a serious eye issue. Your doctor can help you to determine the cause. They will conduct a comprehensive eye exam to check your eyes for;

• Retinal disease
• Macular degeneration
• Glaucoma

Eye pain

Mild and infrequent eye pain is generally not a reason to panic. But if the pain becomes ongoing/intense, then you should visit an eye doctor. Your doctor will check to see whether you have an eye infection.

Also, they can do an eye exam to determine whether you are experiencing a more serious vision problem. You need to know that eye pain is not normal. So, when you experience it, visit your doctor immediately!

Foreign objects

This can be chemical substances, plastics, rocks, or even dirt stuck in your eye. If you have it, don’t ignore it. Having a foreign object in your eye is a medical emergency; thus, you should see a doctor immediately. When you ignore foreign objects, the damage done can accumulate quickly.

Also, you shouldn’t rub your eyes to cope with the discomfort/pain! Instead, visit an eye doctor. They will provide emergency eye care—which will ensure minimal damage to your eyes.

Seeing flashes or experiencing sensitivity to light

When you see sudden flashes of light/halos around lights—know it’s time to go to your eye doctor. This is because these signs could mean that you have retinal detachment. Also, it can indicate that you have:

• Inflammation
• Infection
• Neurological problems

Double vision (Diplopia)

This is a disorder where you will see 2 images instead of one. Double vision often happens because each eye will see a slightly different image. Then, your brain will combine them into one. The main cause of this include the following:

• Strabismus
• Multiple sclerosis
• Head injury
• Stroke
• Thyroid dysfunction

Eye fatigue

Flu, seasonal allergies, or staring at your screen for a long can cause your eyes to feel tired. These may not be a sign of worry. But they can also signal a serious problem. Therefore, if you experience eye fatigue, first follow the 20/20/20 rule. That is: after every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break. Then, concentrate your eye on something that is 20 feet away.

If you still find your eyes to be tired after following the rule—book an appointment with your doctor.

Frequent headaches

Generally, physical and emotional stress can make your headache. This can range from dull pain to sharp behind your eyes. When you experience this, visit an eye doctor. It is because persistent headaches can be a sign of:

• Eyestrain
• Glaucoma
• Infection
• Amblyopia
• Convergence insufficiency

Itchy or dry eyes

Allergies can be the cause of this condition, but sometimes the culprit can be the dry eye condition. This condition is often caused by low levels or imbalanced tears in your eyes.

So, when you experience persistent itch/dry eyes, see an optometrist. Your doctor can use specialized techniques to target the part of your eye that needs a boost.

Changes in vision

If you notice gradual/sudden changes in your vision, like difficulty in seeing fine details, see an eye doctor. It can mean you have refractive errors like:

• Farsightedness
• Nearsightedness
• Astigmatism

When you see your optometrist early, you can begin treatment as soon as possible.

Bottom Line

If you experience any of the above signs, know it’s time to see an eye care professional promptly. Early disease detection and treatment can help to prevent any future complications. Also, it can help you to preserve your vision. Remember, your eye is as important as any other part of your body. So, don’t ignore early signs of eye conditions. Instead, visit your optometrist immediately!

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Becky

Meet the award-nominated UK lifestyle blogger behind Spirited Puddle Jumper – a mum of three living in South East London! Becky shares the real ups and downs of family life, parenting tips, and lifestyle inspiration, proving that being a mum doesn’t mean you stop being fun or having other interests! Follow along for honest insights into UK family life and opinions on a whole range of topics, from travel and food, to beauty reviews, home and DIY, business and health and wellness.