When it comes to the frequency of eye exams, not everyone is the same so you should always follow the advice of your eye doctor as to when you should return for another check-up. However, if you haven’t been to an eye doctor in a long time, there are eight signs that you should have your eyes checked.
As a general rule, a complete eye exam every two years will ensure that your eyes stay healthy, but if you have a medical condition such as diabetes, previous eye trauma, take strong prescriptions, have a lazy eye or a family history of glaucoma or macular degeneration, more frequent eye exams will be necessary.
If you experience any of the eight symptoms listed below, you should schedule an eye exam as soon as possible, even if you aren’t due for one.
- Sudden Blurry Vision or Problems Focusing
Problems focusing or sudden blurry vision can be signs of larger health issues and should always be taken seriously. Blurry vision may come and go or be limited to one eye.
- Sudden Appearance of Floaters, Flashes of Light, or Obstruction of Vision
Any of these visual disturbances could mean a serious, sight-jeopardizing disorder such as retinal detachment, retinal tear or retinal hole. If you experience any of these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention. Proper diagnosis and treatment will help to minimize vision loss.
- Gradual Blurring of Vision
This type of vision deterioration happens gradually over time. If you are noticing that you have to move a book or computer screen further away from your eyes to improve clarity, it’s time to get an eye exam.
- Headaches
Recurring headaches can be an early sign of changes in your vision. Consider having your eyes checked to be sure.
- Eye Pain or Eye Fatigue/Strain
Many things, like lack of sleep or seasonal allergies, can cause some infrequent eye pain or eye strain. However, if you experience ongoing eye pain for more than a few days, it may be a sign of an eye infection or a more serious health condition.
- Squinting
People squint when they’re having difficulty seeing. Squinting reduces extraneous light entering the eye and reduces light scattering, which improves vision. It’s a sure sign that you need an eye exam.
- Sensitivity to Light
Light sensitivity can be an indication of a number of eye diseases and disorders. A sudden onset of light sensitivity should have you making an appointment with an eye doctor.
- Eye Infections
The signs of an eye infection include a swelling of the eyelids, itchiness, redness, a pink discolouration of the whites of the eyes and/or discharge.
Even if you don’t have any of these symptoms, if you haven’t had a full eye exam in the past two years, you should schedule one.
