If you’re wondering whether you should take an eye exam, this list of symptoms will help you out. The following are just some of the most common signs you might need an eye exam soon.
Your vision has changed
Firstly, if you notice changes in your vision over time, this can be a huge sign that you should make an appointment to get an eye exam. For instance, if you catch yourself squinting when you need to read directions on your phone or items on the menu, it’s time to schedule an appointment. In most case scenarios, it just means that there’s a need for an update on the vision prescription.
A person’s visual acuity can change with age. That’s completely normal and nothing to worry about. As a matter of fact, most people start needing either progressive lenses or reading glasses in their 40s. This is mainly for the purpose of treating presbyopia. This is an eye condition that makes it difficult to focus your sight on close-up objects.
On top of that, blurred vision can be another sign pointing out some of the common complicated eye conditions. This includes cataracts and glaucoma. All of this can easily be fixed. You just need to schedule an eye exam and let your doctor guide you through the rest of the process.
Pain and aches
Even if the previous sign doesn’t show up, there are other signs that can point to eye problems. Having intense eye strain, headaches, and other similar eye irritants can indicate that there’s been a change in your vision. It can also mean that there are some other health issues that need to be properly addressed.
There are several reasons why dry eye and eye strain can occur. Some of them are aging factors, light sensitivity, and excess screen time. These symptoms are typically easy to relieve, so you have nothing to worry about. Your doctor will most likely recommend getting blue light-blocking glasses to help with digital eye strain or some eye drops for dry eyes.
On the other hand, if you’re experiencing excessive pressure or pain, you may be experiencing symptoms of glaucoma. If that’s the case, you need to get an eye exam as soon as possible.
Lastly, if you feel headaches in your eye area, your eyes might be experiencing stress from the fact that you’re forcing yourself to focus. This can be easily helped with a new pair of glasses. Since headaches can also be symptoms for some more serious eye problems, you should get checked just in case.
It’s been more than a year since the last exam
According to most eye care professionals, we should get a comprehensive eye exam every year. This can vary depending on individual factors such as your family medical history and your eye health.
You need to keep in mind that health issues that may have nothing to do with your eyes can still affect your eye health. So, it’s important to get an eye exam as often as you can. In case you can’t remember the last time you had an appointment, then it’s probably time for you to contact your doctor.
You have a family history of eye diseases
There are certain types of eye conditions that can be hereditary. Knowing your family’s medical history can help you a lot. There are certain symptoms you’ll be on the lookout for. As a result, you’ll be able to take an eye exam and have these symptoms detected on time. Some of the eye conditions that can be hereditary are macular degeneration and glaucoma.
Paying attention to this stuff becomes even more important with age. Many eye diseases and conditions tend to develop later in life. So, if you are a candidate for one of the hereditary eye conditions, make sure to get your eyes checked regularly.
Other concerns
Lastly, there may be numerous factors and feelings of discomfort that should be checked. If you’re experiencing any kind of eye comfort in your eyes and around them, but you’re not sure which of the above-mentioned options it may be, contact your doctor and schedule an appointment.
Conclusion
Overall, an adequate eye exam can help you detect a potential eye condition or disease. Hence, why it’s important to have regular checkups, especially if your family has a medical history of eye health issues.
