10 Signs It’s Time for an Eye Exam

Table of Contents

Can Eye Strain Cause Dizziness, Headaches, & Vertigo

Introduction

Even though periodic eye exams can detect and treat vision problems in their early stages, many people only think about having their eyes checked when a problem arises. The sooner your vision problems are checked and treated, the better your chances are of preventing the condition from becoming more serious. Nipping your vision issues in the bud can give your future vision health a much better chance. If you wear corrective lenses or even if you don’t, the importance of regular eye checkups cannot be overemphasized. Here we’ll talk about the ten symptoms to be aware of and to get checked, even if you think your eyes are normal and healthy.

What is an Eye Exam?

If you’ve never had an eye examination, you may wonder what it’s all about. Generally, we use specific tests to evaluate your ability to see things at various distances. We will also be able to judge your general eye coordination as well as test to determine whether or not you have glaucoma, macular degeneration, high cholesterol, or even cataracts. By first using dilating drops, we can also look into your eyes to see the internal structure. Did you know that in addition to getting your glasses checked, there are several general health conditions, such as high blood pressure and even diabetes, that can be spotted during your regular eye exam?

Why Are Regular Eye Exams Important for Your Health?

As we mentioned previously, routine eye examinations are paramount in keeping both your general health as well as your vision in the best possible condition.

10 Signs It's Time for an Eye Exam

Our eyes often tell us when something seems off. People don’t always pay too much attention to these small changes and simply chalk them up to stress or just being tired. However, these symptoms, which at first seem minor, can often be clues to more serious eye diseases that need early attention and treatment. Also, your eye exam can point to more serious general health conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes. If you haven’t been seen by your eye doctor recently, this could be the time to schedule your new appointment.

1. Blurred vision

Blurriness when you’re looking at things that are far away, as well as when you’re reading.

2. Headaches

If you find you’re often getting headaches, particularly in the back of your eyes.

3. Eye strain

Perhaps your eyes feel more tired or strained after looking at your electronic devices’ screens.

4. Poor night vision

Have you noticed that your vision no longer seems clear after dark?

5. Dry, itchy eyes

Lately, you might’ve noticed that your eyes have started feeling very dry or even more watery. They may also have started feeling itchy.

6. Floaters

Floaters, those little spots or strands that just seem to be moving through your vision, are starting to appear. Occasionally, you may also notice streaks of light

7. Squinting to see more clearly

Maybe you feel you’re squinting quite a bit to see things a little more clearly, or even feel you’re holding objects nearer to get a better look

8. Overdue for an exam

If you’ve missed your last eye exam or have never gotten one

9. Difficulty judging distance

Lately, it’s become hard to judge distance or tell different colors apart.

10. Sudden eye pressure

You’re suddenly aware of eye pressure, that heavy feeling in your eyes, or even pain in your eyes

How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?

The frequency for getting your vision exams is dependent upon several factors. Some of them can include your age, your general health, and your specific vision issues. The general recommendation for an adult with no vision issues is every year or two. For young children, it is recommended that they get their very first complete eye examination starting when they are 3 years old. After that, assuming no problems were detected, they should be re-checked before they start going to school. After that, their eye exams should follow on a regular basis.

Older adults, those who have diabetes, or people who have a family history of serious eye conditions, need to be examined more often. Naturally, if you wear regular corrective lenses or contact lenses, getting those regular checkups will assure that your prescriptions are up to date and that your eyes are in the best condition possible. If you feel that you have specific vision issues, your doctor will always guide you.

Do You Still Need an Eye Exam If You Don’t Wear Glasses?

Even if you don’t wear glasses, it is still imperative that your eyes be checked on a regular basis because your vision can change gradually. Your eyes should also be checked regularly, even if you don’t currently wear glasses, because some eye diseases, such as glaucoma or macular degeneration, will develop without your awareness, as there are no real symptoms. But a regular eye exam will find these asymptomatic diseases very early on and treat them so they do not become worse.

How Can Golden Vision Help You Stay on Top of Routine Eye Exams?

Your eyesight is one of your most priceless senses. If you feel that the answers to some of the above vision issues relate to you, please get in touch. Our routine comprehensive exams will help keep your eyes in the healthiest condition possible. Here at Golden Vision, by giving you fast and painless eye tests, our team of experienced professionals will help you forestall any serious issues and maintain the best possible vision health.

Reach out to Golden Vision and book an appointment for your next eye exam!

FAQs

We recommend that even if you do not have any vision problems, most adults should get their eyes examined every year or two, even if they have no noticeable vision problems. People who have high blood pressure, diabetes, or any family history of vision conditions should be seen more often, since those early exams will detect problems soon enough to be treated.
If you notice that you seem to be getting headaches more often than usual, it might be an indication that you are becoming nearsighted, farsighted, or that you even have astigmatism. It’s also possible that spending long periods of time looking at electronic devices could be causing these headaches.
Yes, looking at the screens of your electronic devices for quite a while can cause what we call digital eye strain. It makes your eyes feel tired, quite dry, and blurry. Although this is not serious, it will give you eye strain.
If your eyes always feel dry or even watery lately, then yes, this might be a sign that there could be a condition that needs to be checked. It’s possible that you have a condition called dry eye syndrome or even tear duct problems.
We recommend that children get their initial complete eye exam when they are 3 years old. After that, they should have regular exams before they begin school and all through their childhood to be sure that their eyes are developing as healthily as possible.