Health

Six Unmissable Signs That It’s Time To Book An Eye Exam

We often overlook the health of our eyes and miss eye exams because we assume everything is good and healthy, usually based on the fact that we can still see. The problem with this thought process is that usually, eye problems creep up on us slowly, or the symptoms seem completely unrelated. We should all be aiming for an eye test around every two years, although people with family histories of glaucoma and other hereditary problems are advised to seek them more often. If you’re umming and ahhing about booking yourself an eye exam, here are a few signs that you should do it sooner, rather than later.

Six Unmissable Signs That It's Time To Book An Eye Exam

You’ve started getting headaches

Headaches can be a sign of stress, anxiety, and a myriad of other factors, but if they’re happening frequently and you’re not entirely sure why, your eyes are as good a reason as any. When our eyesight starts to falter, our brain has to work harder to compensate, so the headaches are a good early warning system for eyesight problems.

You’d like to try contact lenses

If you already wear glasses, but you’ve decided the time has come to give contact lenses a go, be sure to book in an eye exam to confirm your suitability and prescription strength before you commit. It’s also worth discussing with your eye doctor whether you’re more suited to day lenses, such as  Acuvue Moist, or a longer-term variety. Remember, contact lenses don’t work for everyone, so be sure to seek advice before contact lens fittings.

You’re getting weird, visual disturbances

If you’re getting lights flashing in front of your eyes, a shift in vision, or any obstruction, it could be a sign of some serious problems with your retinas. As soon as these problems crop up, book an eye exam to be on the safe side.

If you have to squint to focus, or you’re experiencing blurry vision, more often than not it’s a sign that your eyes will require some correcting. This can happen gradually, which is common, so you might not notice it immediately. Squinting is a common sign that children are struggling with their sight too. If it happens abruptly, seek medical advice immediately, as it could be a sign of something far more serious.

You’ve become more sensitive to light

Our eyes are very sensitive to changes in light levels, but this sensitivity can increase, making even the slightest change in light uncomfortable. It can be a symptom of many different eye problems, including just a simple eye infection, so it’s worth getting it checked out.

You haven’t had an eye exam for a while

Finally, if you’ve not seen the eye doctor in two years or more, it’s time for a test. Because of the gradual nature of the onset of many eye problems, there is always a chance that you’re experiencing difficulties without even knowing it. A regular eye exam will be able to keep an eye on your eye’s health, as well as your sight so that any problems can be caught and treated early on.

One thought on “Six Unmissable Signs That It’s Time To Book An Eye Exam

  1. You are right. You should get an eye exam often. Some people suggest getting an exam every two years. You can also tell you need to see your eye doctor if you have a hard time seeing at night.

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