When It's Time For An Eye Exam

A comprehensive eye exam is an important part of your eye care. If you aren't getting an eye exam, you have no idea if you have the right prescription, which could be harming your eyes and worsening your vision. If you aren't sure if you should visit the optometrist for an eye exam, read on for helpful information.

Blurry Vision

If your vision is getting blurry or you are noticing that you have to squint to see, it may be time to visit the optometrist. Squinting to see can cause eye strain and worsen your vision. It can also cause headaches, neck pain, and even upper back pain. If you haven't noticed the blurriness or even the squinting, if you do notice more headaches or neck/back pain, it's time to make an appointment because it's most likely due to your vision worsening.

Eye Discharge

If your eyes have a discharge that is not clear or white, then it's time to make an eye appointment. You could have en eye infection or pink eye. You may also experience itching or burning eyes. Your eyes may also be red, or you may feel pain in your eyes. If you have any of these symptoms, it's time to make an appointment to have it diagnosed and treated properly. 

Dry Eyes

Dry eyes can be the result of allergies, but dry eyes could also be a condition that can cause eye discomfort or could worsen your vision. If your tear ducts aren't producing tears naturally, you may need eye drops to prevent eye strain or other issues. Talk to your optometrist if you have dry eyes or other discomfort. 

Pain Behind The Eyes

If you are feeling pain behind your eyes, it could be from a detached retina. You may also experience issues with your peripheral vision, flashes of light, or even loss of vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, get into the optometrist for an eye exam. A detached retina could result in total vision loss that may be permanent if it isn't diagnosed and treated right away. Don't wait to see the optometrist, make an appointment right away.

Spots On The Eyes

White spots on the eyes or dark spots that weren't there before could be the result of a few different things, one of which may be if you are over-wearing your contact lenses or wearing them improperly such as sleeping in them when you aren't supposed to. This can cause a lack of oxygen to the eyes and cause these spots on the eyes. Be sure you are wearing your contact lenses as suggested by your optometrist and the manufacturer of the lenses. Take your lenses out at night to give your eyes a break and be sure to clean your lenses properly.

If you aren't sure when you should see the optometrist for an eye exam, use the above as a guide. You should see the optometrist at least once per year for an eye exam.