Signs It Is Time for an Eye Exam

Eye specialists like those from the American Optometric Association recommend having your eyes examined at least once a year. However, it is always best practice to consult your regular optometrist to find out if you need to schedule more eye exam visits. Yet, there are a few signs that can tell you if it is time to go to your eye doctor for an eye exam. Here is a look at a few of them.

If It Has Been A Long Time

If you cannot remember the last time you underwent a comprehensive eye exam, it is probably high time you went for one. Many eye issues do not have noticeable symptoms at first and may continue this way until your vision severely deteriorates. Regular and thorough eye screening can help in the early detection and treatment of eye problems.

Early detection can help avert the progression of common eye issues. These include diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, macular degeneration due to age, and glaucoma. If you are older, it is advisable to get an eye exam annually without fail.

If Vision Is Deteriorating

If you are straining your eyes a little more to read texts on your phone or road signs, it is probably enough reason to see your ophthalmologist. According to statistics, over 150 million Americans wear some form of eyewear like contacts or eyeglasses for vision correction.

Whether you suffer from farsightedness or nearsightedness, these conditions can make going about your daily life quite difficult. Moreover, issues such as eyestrain can cause headaches since the eyes are not focusing as they should. The more you strain your eyes, the worse it becomes. At this point, seeing your doctor is advisable.

Frontal Headaches

Straining to focus your eyes might lead to headaches. This is especially true if the headaches occur around the temple, indicating that you need reading glasses or the current ones you have are too strong. If you are experiencing headaches that affect your vision, such as ocular migraines, you should start by visiting your eye doctor.

If your headaches come with blurred vision, it could be because of a swollen optic nerve (optic neuritis). Left unaddressed, this could be quite risky and could be a sign of a more serious underlying issue such as a stroke.

Harder to See at Night

If you are struggling to drive or read street signs at night, it could mean your farsightedness worsens in the dark. If you are over 50 years and eyeglasses still do not correct the straining issue, you might be experiencing cataracts.

These are just a few indicators that you might need to get an eye exam. There are many more. However, it is wise not to wait for any of them to manifest before visiting your eye doctor. Make regular visits to your optometrist, even if you think your eyes are fine. There may be underlying conditions that are easily treatable if caught early.

For more information about comprehensive eye exams, visit Blue Hills Eye Associates at our office in Braintree, Massachusetts. You can also call (781) 794-2200 to book an appointment today.