8 Signs You Should Schedule an Eye Examination Today
When it comes to how often people should schedule eye exams, everyone is different. That’s why it’s important to follow your eye doctor’s instructions about when to return. However, if it’s been a long time since you saw an eye care practitioner, you may be wondering whether you need to and when. In general, people should see their eye care practitioner for a comprehensive exam once every year to ensure that their vision is sharp and that they do not have any eye problems that could jeopardize their eye health. However, there are some signs that you should schedule an appointment sooner.
- Sudden blurry vision or trouble focusing
If you notice that your vision is suddenly blurry or that you are having difficulty focusing properly, it’s a sure sign that you should schedule an eye exam as soon as possible. It could be a sign of a more serious eye or health issue. You should always take blurry vision in one or both eyes seriously, so contact your provider for an appointment as soon as possible.
- Blurry vision that comes on gradually
Maybe you have noticed blurry vision that didn’t present suddenly but rather happened gradually. Perhaps you are sitting closer to the TV than you used to or moving your phone farther from your eyes to see it well. These are signs that it’s time to have an eye exam.
- Visual disturbances such as flashes of light or floaters
The sudden onset of floaters, flashes of light, or other visual obstructions could signify a severe condition that could threaten your vision, such as a retinal tear or detachment. If you experience any of these symptoms suddenly, you should consider it a medical emergency and seek help within 24 hours or sooner, either from your optometrist or your local emergency department.
- Headaches
Headaches are often one of the first signs of vision changes. If you are experiencing frequent headaches, it’s worth checking with your eye doctor, as corrective lenses may eliminate the problem.
- Squinting
Squinting to see better is a common sign that it’s time for an eye exam. Squinting reduces extraneous light in the eye, decreases light scattering, and improves vision temporarily. Especially in children, squinting is a sign that corrective lenses may be needed. If you notice that you or your child is squinting more than usual, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor.
- Sensitivity to light
If you are suddenly more sensitive to light than you used to be, you should have an eye exam. Sensitivity to light could be a sign of many different eye disorders, even infection. If the sun or bright interior lights bother your eyes, see your eye doctor.
- Signs of an eye infection
Your local optometrist must evaluate any symptoms of infection in your eyes. These symptoms may include itching, pain, redness, discharge, or swelling of the eyelid. You may or may not notice pain. If you notice any of these, schedule an eye exam immediately.
- You haven’t seen an eye doctor in two years or more
Even if everything seems fine, if you haven’t had an eye exam in over a year, it’s time to schedule one. Eye exams include screening tests for several conditions that may not cause symptoms in their early stages, so be sure to schedule yours today!
Contact Miami Contact Lens Institute at (305) 814-2299 or use our online contact form today.