Regular eye exams are a part of maintaining your overall health, and they provide a clear picture of your eye health and vision. Sometimes, specific symptoms appear that suggest a visit to an eye doctor is necessary. Paying attention to these signs helps you know when to seek professional care for your eyes. Here are some signs that it’s time for an eye exam:
New Floaters
Floaters are small specks or lines that drift through your field of vision. While many people experience them occasionally, a sudden increase in new floaters requires attention. These shapes become more noticeable against a plain, bright background, such as a blue sky, and you may also see them with flashes of light. They are a part of aging, yet a sudden change should be evaluated.
Changes in floaters might present in different ways:
- Shower of many new floaters.
- Flashes of light that appear.
- Shadow or curtain in your vision.
Blurred Vision
When you find it difficult to see things clearly, this is called blurred vision. Your vision may seem out of focus, and you might need to squint to see objects distinctly. This could affect your sight at all distances, or it might be noticeable only when you look at things up close or far away. It is a typical symptom that prompts people to get their eyes checked.
The experience of blurry vision differs for everyone. Some people notice a gradual decline in sharpness over months, while others experience a sudden change in their sight. Certain medical conditions and medications can also contribute to this symptom, so documenting when you notice the blurriness helps an eye doctor understand the situation.
Noticing blurriness while driving at night is a specific concern. You might struggle to read road signs, or perhaps oncoming headlights create glare. This change might indicate that your eyes are having trouble adjusting to low light. If you are experiencing these issues, an eye exam is a practical next step.
Frequent Headaches
Headaches can have many causes, but they may be linked to vision problems. An eye issue might be the source of your pain if the headaches happen after long periods of visual concentration. Simple eye strain may be the cause, or a change in your prescription might be needed. In some cases, you might notice the pain is located around your eyes or forehead.
Double Vision
Seeing two images of a single object is called double vision. This condition can affect one eye or both eyes. It may be constant, or it may come and go. When you experience double vision, it can interfere with your balance, reading, and ability to navigate your surroundings.
Double vision can occur for a variety of reasons, including issues with the muscles controlling eye movement or problems within the brain’s visual processing areas. It may result from something as simple as eye strain, or it could signal an underlying health condition that requires attention. Because the causes of double vision can vary widely, consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and treatment.
Schedule an Eye Exam Today
Certain signs indicate it is time for an eye examination. Blurred vision, frequent headaches, new floaters, and double vision are all signals that require professional attention. An eye doctor can assess your symptoms, and if needed, they can determine the appropriate course of action. If you are experiencing any of these signs, book an appointment with an eye doctor today.
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