Eyesight is something most people take for granted until it’s too late. Make it your mission to keep your eyes as healthy as possible by regularly visiting your eye doctor. Not sure when you should go? Other than once a year, book an eye exam if you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms.

Changes in Night Vision

It’s common for the first sign of your eye health dwindling as an adult is when you start having difficulty seeing at night, especially while driving. This can be extremely dangerous if left untreated, for both you and other drivers. Seeing halos around light sources, having trouble recognizing objects at night or are unable to read signs are warnings that you need to talk to your optometrist, now.

Health Conditions

Certain health conditions can affect the way your eyes feel and function. Diseases like diabetes, lupus and other conditions can affect your eye’s functionality. Even your nutritional habits and sleep patterns can affect your eye health. Mention any conditions to your doctor during an exam.

An Eye Infection

Sitting through an eye exam gives the optometrist an opportunity to identify changes in your vision while checking your overall eye health. Some eye infections can clear up on their own. However, many can be contagious and lead to permanent eye damage if left untreated. Schedule an appointment right away if you experience itchy or red eyes, discharge or any other uncomfortable sensations.

Constant Headaches

Several things can cause headaches and migraines, but these conditions can also be a warning sign that something is wrong with your vision. An increase in headache frequency or intensity may mean you need to visit your eye doctor sooner rather than later.

Vision Disturbances

Have you ever noticed black spots appear in your vision? Or small ‘floaters’ moving across your eye? Any small disruptions in your vision are usually normal, however, their sudden appearance is another story. These disturbances can be a result of a migraine or your retina detaching, a serious condition that can cause blindness. Go to an eye care professional immediately in this happens.

Tired Eyes

Staring at a computer screen for hours or reading constantly without breaks are just some of the causes behind eye fatigue and strain. Make sure to change your focus for at least 20 seconds every 20 minutes, staring at an object far away so your eyes can readjust. However, if your tired eyes continue for more than three days, the straining could be a side effect of an undiagnosed eye infection or optical condition.

Light Sensitivity

Any sensitivity to light can be a sign of an eye infection, corneal abrasion or inflammation inside the eye.  As these can lead to serious consequences if left untreated, contact your eye doctor immediately if your sensitivity to light suddenly changes.

Sudden Problems Focusing

A sudden loss of focus or blurriness on specific items can be the first stage of a severe eye condition. This can be a prolonged occurrence or can happen periodically, depending on lighting or other factors. Problems focusing can be linked to specific tasks as well, like reading small fonts or staring at a screen for a long time. Talk to your eye care professional to identify the changes in your vision quality.

Visit Dr. Damanjit Johal at Vision Eye Care Centre in Langley, British Columbia if you’re experiencing any difficulties with your eye health, or just need a checkup. We offer comprehensive eye exams for adults and children as well as luxury eyeglasses, prescription lenses, contacts and more. Call us to make an appointment with our highly experienced team of optometrists.