Good vision plays a crucial role in our everyday lives. It’s easy to take your eyes for granted when things seem clear and bright, but subtle issues with your vision or eye health can often go unnoticed until they become more serious. Regular check-ups with an optometrist are essential, but how do you know when it’s time to schedule an appointment?

Here are the signs you shouldn’t ignore that indicate it’s time to visit an optometrist.

Blurred or Distorted Vision

If you’ve noticed that reading road signs, using a computer, or recognising faces has become difficult due to blurry or distorted vision, it’s time to have your eyes examined. These issues may be as simple as needing a new prescription for glasses, but they can also indicate conditions like astigmatism, cataracts, or age-related macular degeneration.

Frequent Headaches

Headaches, especially those that occur after reading or working on a screen for long periods, can be linked to eye strain. Uncorrected vision problems force your eyes to work harder, leading to discomfort. An optometrist can determine whether glasses or changes to your current prescription are needed to reduce the strain.

Eye Pain or Redness

Your eyes should not hurt or appear persistently red. Pain and redness can result from various issues, including infections, inflammation, or injuries. Sometimes these symptoms are linked to more serious problems like glaucoma or uveitis. Seeking professional help promptly can prevent further damage.

Sensitivity to Light

If you find yourself squinting or feeling discomfort in bright environments, it could be due to conditions like dry eyes, migraines, or even more severe problems like corneal damage. Light sensitivity is not something to ignore, as it could indicate underlying eye health concerns.

Trouble Seeing at Night

Difficulty driving or navigating in low-light conditions is a common sign of deteriorating vision. This can be caused by conditions like cataracts or deficiencies in night vision, both of which are treatable when identified early.

Double Vision

Seeing two images instead of one can be unsettling and often points to serious issues like a problem with eye muscle coordination, nerve damage, or even neurological conditions. An optometrist can help identify the root cause and guide you toward the appropriate treatment.

Changes in Peripheral Vision

Your side vision is just as important as what you see directly in front of you. If you’ve noticed blind spots or a gradual narrowing of your field of vision, these could be warning signs of glaucoma, a condition that can lead to permanent vision loss if untreated.

Dry, Itchy, or Watery Eyes

While these symptoms might seem harmless, they could indicate dry eye syndrome, allergies, or other underlying problems. An optometrist can recommend solutions such as eye drops or other treatments to bring relief and protect your eyes from further irritation.

You Haven’t Had an Eye Test in Over Two Years

Even if you think your vision is fine, regular eye tests are crucial for catching problems early. Conditions like glaucoma or diabetic retinopathy often don’t show symptoms in their early stages but can be detected during routine exams. Adults should aim for a comprehensive eye test every two years, or more often if recommended by an optometrist.

Eye Conditions That Run in Your Family

Many eye issues, including glaucoma, macular degeneration, and some types of retinal disorders, have a genetic component. If you have a family history of these conditions, regular visits to an optometrist are essential for proactive care and early detection.

Sudden Changes in Vision

If you experience sudden vision loss, flashes of light, or a curtain-like shadow moving across your vision, seek immediate care. These could be signs of serious conditions like retinal detachment, which requires urgent treatment to prevent permanent vision loss.

Looking After Your Eye Health

Maintaining good eye health starts with recognising the importance of regular check-ups and being proactive about changes in your vision. Your eyes are as unique as you are, and an optometrist can create a personalised plan to keep them in top shape.