10 INDICATIONS THAT YOU MAY REQUIRE AN EYE EXAM

The significance of eye examinations in preserving eye health cannot be emphasised enough. These tests not only assess your vision, but they also play a vital role in identifying medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and more.  

Additionally, eye exams help determine if you require glasses or if adjustments are needed to your current prescription.

Now, how frequently should you undergo eye tests?

As a general recommendation, it is advisable to schedule an eye examination at least once every two years. However, if you notice any changes in your vision, it is best to seek an eye exam promptly. 

10 INDICATIONS THAT YOU MAY REQUIRE AN EYE EXAM

 

Regular eye examinations, ideally every two years, are crucial for maintaining clear vision, whether or not you wear prescription lenses. Individuals aged 65 and above should consider scheduling yearly eye tests.

However, there are certain symptoms and signs that should prompt you to visit your eye doctor sooner, even if you are not yet due for a routine eye exam. These indicators include:

  1. BLURRED OR HAZY VISION: Difficulty seeing details, reading, or recognising faces may indicate the need for vision correction through glasses or contact lenses.
  2. FREQUENT SQUINTING: Excessive squinting in order to see more clearly suggests the need for an eye exam to determine if glasses can alleviate the issue.
  3. VISUAL DISTURBANCES (FLOATERS, FLASHES OF LIGHT etc.): The sudden appearance of spots, flashes of light, halos, floaters, or other visual disturbances requires immediate medical attention from an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or healthcare provider.
  4. HEADACHES: While headaches can stem from various medical conditions, they may be related to the eyes, especially if they occur after prolonged computer use or screen time.
  5. EYE INFECTION, RED EYES: Swelling of the eyelids, discharge, redness in one or both eyes, or itching may indicate an eye infection, warranting an immediate eye check-up.
  6. LIGHT SENSITIVITY: Sudden sensitivity to light can be a symptom of an eye disease or infection, necessitating an eye exam.
  7. EYE PAIN, STRAIN, OR FATIGUE: Eye fatigue, pain, or strain often experienced after prolonged computer use or extended periods of driving may require glasses to address focusing issues.
  8. EXCESSIVE TEARING: Watery eyes can be a sign of visual issues or other problems such as allergies, requiring an eye examination.
  9. DISTORTED VISION: If straight objects appear wavy, bent, misshapen, or if you experience distorted or double vision, it is important to consult an eye doctor for a diagnosis as these can be signs of deteriorating eye health.
  10. NIGHT VISION DIFFICULTIES: Problems seeing at night or in low light conditions, along with sensitivity to light, may indicate night blindness or nyctalopia, necessitating an eye test.

Apart from these factors, there are other considerations to determine how often you should have your eyes tested, such as:

  • Age: Different age groups may have varying susceptibility to vision problems, making regular eye tests essential. Children should have their first eye test around the age of 3 to detect and correct vision issues early. Teenagers often develop myopia and should get comfortable with regular eye exams. Adults over 40 may experience presbyopia, requiring regular eye exams for early detection and management.
  • Family History: Individuals with a family history of eye conditions should undergo routine eye exams to identify and manage hereditary eye diseases such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, or cataracts.
  • Pregnancy and Eye Care: Hormonal changes during pregnancy can affect vision, leading to temporary issues like dry eye syndrome, blurry vision, or appearance of floaters and spots. It is advisable to consult a healthcare provider or optometrist to address any concerns.

For all your eye health questions or to schedule an eye exam, reach out to Eyesight Optometrist today.

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