Taking care of your eyes is essential, not just for clear vision but for overall health. Many people overlook their eye health until they notice a problem, but regular checkups can help catch issues early. So, how do you know when to make that appointment? Here are seven signs that indicate you should schedule an eye checkup soon.
Blurry Vision
If you notice any changes in your vision, even subtle ones, it’s a good idea to get your eyes examined. Some signs your vision may change include blurriness, trouble seeing at night, problems reading small print, seeing halos around lights, double vision, and frequent eye strain or headaches after reading or computer use. Even minor vision changes can be early warning signs of eye diseases or other ocular health issues. An eye doctor can fully evaluate your eyes and vision to determine if any treatment is needed.
Headaches
Frequent headaches, especially after reading or screen use, can indicate an underlying vision problem. Headaches are commonly caused by eye strain due to uncorrected refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness or astigmatism. An optometrist can check for these issues and prescribe glasses or contacts if needed to help alleviate headaches. Severe or recurring headaches may also be a symptom of a more serious eye condition that requires treatment.
Eye Discomfort
Ongoing eye discomfort, such as itching, burning, dryness, or excessive watering, can be tied to many common eye problems, such as dry eye syndrome, allergies, or infections. Some medications can also cause eye irritation as a side effect. Left untreated, these issues can impair eye comfort and vision. See your eye doctor to pinpoint the cause and get relief.
Trouble Seeing Up Close
Difficulty with near vision, like reading small text on a page or screen, is often one of the first signs of presbyopia. This common age-related vision condition causes the lenses in our eyes to lose flexibility gradually. As presbyopia develops, people typically start experiencing trouble focusing on close objects in their early to mid-40s. An eye exam can confirm if you have this condition, and eyeglasses for reading or computer use can restore clear near vision.
Red or Bloodshot Eyes
Eyes that are constantly red, bloodshot, or irritated warrant a trip to the optometrist. These symptoms can result from allergies, dry eyes, pink eye (conjunctivitis), or even more serious eye issues like glaucoma. Identifying and treating the cause of recurrent red eyes is key to getting them back to their bright, white selves.
Flashes or Floaters
Seeing flashes of light or spots drifting in your field of vision (called “floaters”) could indicate a tear or detachment in your retina. These symptoms should never be ignored – a detached retina is a serious medical emergency that causes rapid, permanent vision loss if not treated immediately. Notify your eye doctor right away if you notice new flashes or floaters, especially if accompanied by other vision changes.
Family History of Eye Disease
Having a parent or close family member with an eye condition like macular degeneration, glaucoma, or diabetic retinopathy puts you at increased risk. Many eye diseases and vision disorders are hereditary or genetic. Getting a baseline eye exam by age 40, then regular exams based on your doctor’s recommendation, allows early detection and timely treatment to help prevent vision loss.
If you’re experiencing any of the signs mentioned above, don’t hesitate to reach out to an eye care professional. At Vision Care Centre, we’re dedicated to providing comprehensive eye exams and quality care. Whether you need new eyeglasses in Langley or just a routine checkup, our team is here to help you maintain your vision and overall eye health. Book your appointment today!
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