11 Signs It’s Time to See Your Eye Doctor

Seeing an eye specialist doesn’t usually cross people’s minds until they experience vision changes or need new eyeglasses. It’s essential to schedule eye exams regularly, even if your sight seems fine. Doing so can help keep your eyes healthy and preserve your vision. 

Here are 11 signs you need to get your eyes checked. 

When Should You Have Your Eyes Checked?

1. Frequent Headaches

Have you been experiencing more headaches lately? It could be an indication that you need new eyeglasses or contact lenses. Wearing outdated prescription eyewear can cause your brain and eyes to work harder than they should, resulting in eye strain and headaches. Experts recommend having your eyeglasses updated every one to two years. It’s to ensure you have the appropriate pair for your needs. 

 

2. Difficulty Seeing at Night

Poor night vision or night blindness usually occurs because of problems with the retina. People with this condition struggle to adjust from a well-lit to a dimly lit environment. If you have myopia, glaucoma, cataracts, or vitamin A deficiency, you’re more likely to have trouble with your night vision. A comprehensive eye exam can identify the cause of night blindness. 

3. Constant Squinting

You need to schedule a visit to your local eye clinic if you have to squint to see clearly. Constant squinting can be a sign that your eyes are struggling to focus. You probably need to update your glasses or contact lenses if you’re also experiencing headaches, blurred vision, light sensitivity or eye fatigue. 

4. Eye Strain

Using a computer, reading and driving are typical tasks that can cause eye strain. Uncorrected refractive errors, stress and fatigue can increase your risk of eye strain. It’s the same if you spend a lot of time in front of digital screens, such as computer screens, tablets and smartphones. 

Dry eyes, headaches, blurred vision, and neck and shoulder pain often characterize eye strain. Individuals with this condition can also suffer from burning or itchy eyes, poor focus and light sensitivity. If you encounter these symptoms, don’t wait long to see your eye doctor. 

 

5. Double Vision

Also called diplopia, double vision is when you see two images of one object. It can occur due to eye problems, such as cataracts, astigmatism, and dry eye syndrome. Double vision can also be a symptom of stroke and brain aneurysm. 

Fortunately, nearly 90% of diplopia cases are temporary and have no lasting health implications. It’s still a good idea to consult your eye doctor because double vision can make daily tasks difficult. 

6. Sensitivity to Light

Corneal abrasion, migraines and other health conditions that affect the brain or eyes can cause light sensitivity. You must consult your doctor to learn the cause of your discomfort. Experts can provide proper diagnosis and recommend ways to minimize your symptoms. 

7. Sudden Appearance of Floaters

Eye floaters can look like dark cobwebs, specks or strings. They are tiny clumps of cells floating on the vitreous gel. You see them in your field of vision when they cast shadows on your retina. Most floaters disappear on their own over time. 

Sometimes floaters can be a warning sign of a vision-threatening eye condition like retinal detachment. Contact your eye care provider immediately if you suddenly see large amounts of floaters. When not treated promptly, retinal detachment can lead to blindness. 

 

8. Seeing Halos Around Lights

Do you see halos every time you look at light fixtures? You might be seeing these bright rings because of your eyeglasses. If you suddenly see halos and experience blurred vision, set an appointment with your eye specialist. Cataract patients can begin seeing halos around lights because of changes in the lenses of their eyes. 

 

9. Wavy Vision

Wavy vision is where you see zigzag lines around an object. It also causes straight lines to look wavy or distorted. Astigmatism and pink eye are common causes of wavy vision. You should speak to your eye doctor if there is waviness in your vision because it’s a potential sign of macular degeneration and retinal problems.

10. Dry Eye Symptoms

Dry eye happens when your eyes don’t produce enough tears to remain lubricated. It can occur because of certain medications or as a symptom of another health issue. Moreover, this condition can cause a burning sensation or a feeling of having a foreign object in your eye. Seek assistance from your eye doctor if your dry eye symptoms are not improving and preventing you from doing everyday tasks. 

 

11. You Can’t Recall the Last Time You Got an Eye Exam

How long has it been since you had your eyes examined? If you can’t remember, it’s likely been a long time since your last contact eye exam appointment. Routine comprehensive eye exams are crucial to the early detection of eye diseases that can cause vision loss. Many of these conditions don’t manifest symptoms in their initial stages, including cataracts, glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration.

Why Is It Important to Have Your Eyes Checked Regularly?

A comprehensive eye exam can reveal more than just eye and vision problems. It can also unveil underlying health issues like diabetes and high blood pressure. You don’t necessarily have to wait to experience vision-related symptoms before scheduling an appointment. 

Ideally, adults should get an eye exam every two years. However, you may need to see your eye doctor more often if you wear prescription glasses or contacts, take certain medications that have side effects on vision, and have a family history of eye disease. It’s the same for individuals with previous eye injuries, diabetes and high blood pressure. 

 

Older adults should have a comprehensive eye exam at least once a year. It’s because your risk of developing eye diseases increases as you age. People over 65 are more prone to cataracts and vision problems from certain health conditions.