Is It Time for an Eye Exam?
As a general rule, you should visit your eye doctor once every year for a routine eye examination. However, there are instances throughout the year when you will need to visit your eye doctor sooner. For instance, changes in your physical health and vision will often warrant an appointment sooner than usual.
Changes in Your Physical Health
Have you recently visited your primary care provider and been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, or another disease that has the ability to impact your eyesight? If so, it is important that you let your eye doctor know as soon as possible. Once they are informed of your condition, they will be able to keep a close eye on your vision for any potential changes that are directly related to the disease.
Itching, Irritation, Redness, and Dryness
It isn't uncommon to experience red, itchy eyes, particularly if you suffer from allergies. However, if you are dealing with constantly irritated eyes, you may have what is known as chronic dry eye. This condition can be treated with prescription eye drops, and your eye doctor can give you a list of other ways that you can gain relief from the symptoms that you are experiencing and manage your condition moving forward.
Difficulty Seeing at Night
If you are having trouble seeing at nighttime, then you may have trouble properly reading street signs. In some instances, you may see starbursts or halos around lights, or you may be having difficulty distinguishing objects when it is dark out. If you are having trouble seeing at night, you should avoid getting behind the wheel and schedule an appointment with your eye doctor.
Sensitivity to Light
If you are developing a sensitivity to light, there can be numerous reasons for this, like corneal abrasions and infections. At the same time, meningitis and other illnesses can cause light sensitivity. Therefore, it is important that an appointment is scheduled immediately so that serious conditions can be ruled out or the necessary treatment can be obtained.
Blurred Vision, Spots, or Floaters
Have you noticed that your vision is getting blurry or cloudy? If so, you may be developing cataracts, and you need to schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Have you noticed floaters or spots in your vision? If so, it could be an indication that you have a detached retina—and this is a condition that requires immediate treatment.
If you are experiencing any of the aforementioned signs or you haven't had an exam in the last 12 months, contact a business such as Leader Heights Eye Center to schedule a routine eye exam.