Signs You Need An Eye Exam

Your vision plays a crucial role in your daily life, yet many people neglect to schedule regular eye exams. While it’s easy to brush off minor changes in eyesight, they could indicate larger issues that require professional attention. Recognizing the signs that you need an eye exam can help maintain your eye health and prevent long-term complications.

Blurred Vision

Blurred vision is one of the most common signs that you need an eye exam. If you find yourself squinting to read road signs, struggling to see text on your screen, or noticing fuzziness in objects at a distance, it’s time to consult an optometrist. Blurred vision may result from refractive errors like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism, all of which can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.

If you experience sudden blurred vision, it could signal a more severe condition like a retinal detachment or glaucoma. Understanding the differences between common and serious causes of blurred vision can help you decide when to act. Read more about common causes of blurred vision to learn what might be affecting your sight.

Frequent Headaches

Frequent headaches, especially around the eyes or forehead, are a red flag for eye problems. Straining to focus on tasks, such as reading or working on a computer, can cause headaches that often go unnoticed as vision-related. An eye exam can identify whether uncorrected vision problems or eye strain is the culprit, allowing you to take appropriate steps to relieve the discomfort.

Eye Fatigue or Strain

Do you feel your eyes are tired after long hours of reading or screen time? Eye fatigue is a sign that your eyes are working harder than they should. This can be due to uncorrected vision issues or even digital eye strain, a condition caused by prolonged exposure to digital screens. Blue-light-blocking glasses or updated prescriptions can alleviate strain and improve comfort during daily activities.

Learn how digital eye strain affects your overall vision and discover tips to protect your eyes while using screens.

Difficulty Adjusting to Light Changes

If you’re struggling to adjust your vision when moving from bright to dim environments or vice versa, it’s time for an eye checkup. This issue could stem from aging, certain medications, or early signs of cataracts. An optometrist can determine the root cause and recommend solutions to restore your visual comfort.

Double Vision

Seeing double can be alarming and is often a sign of an underlying issue that needs immediate attention. Double vision may indicate problems with your eye muscles, cornea, or even neurological conditions. Don’t delay an eye exam if you experience this symptom, as early intervention can prevent worsening complications.

Persistent Dry Eyes

Occasional dry eyes can be caused by environmental factors, but if it’s persistent, it might indicate dry eye syndrome. Symptoms include redness, irritation, and a gritty sensation. Left untreated, chronic dry eye can damage the surface of the eye and lead to discomfort. Your optometrist can provide targeted treatments like lubricating drops or specialized therapies to address this condition.

Difficulty Seeing at Night

Night vision difficulties can make activities like driving after dark unsafe. If you notice halos around lights, glare, or reduced clarity in low-light settings, you might need an updated prescription or treatment for conditions such as cataracts. These symptoms are particularly critical to address for safety and independence in everyday life.

Changes in Color Perception

If you notice colors appearing dull or less vivid, this could be an early sign of cataracts or another eye condition. Changes in color perception warrant an eye exam to identify and treat the root cause effectively.

You Haven’t Had an Eye Exam in Over a Year

Even if you don’t notice any symptoms, regular eye exams are essential for maintaining good vision and eye health. Many conditions, like glaucoma or macular degeneration, develop silently and can cause irreversible damage if not detected early. A yearly eye exam allows your optometrist to monitor changes in your eyes and prescribe corrective measures as needed.

Protect Your Vision with Professional Care

At Plaza Vision Optometry, we prioritize your eye health with comprehensive exams and personalized care. Our experienced team in Monrovia, CA, is here to help you maintain clear vision and detect potential issues before they escalate. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or simply need your annual checkup, we’re committed to providing top-notch optometric services tailored to your needs.