Nearly all of us experience vision changes over time. Sometimes these changes are so gradual that they go overlooked for long periods.. Vision testing and routine eye exams help to track changes in your vision that you may not readily notice, but more importantly, it is also a crucial element to early diagnosis of eye conditions.
When should you have your eyes examined? We recommend yearly visits for most individuals, but you should also consider scheduling an eye exam if you experience any of the following:
Diagnosis of a Health Condition Affecting Your Vision
This is a pretty easy one. Our overall health, including what we eat and our sleep habits, plays a role in the function of our eyes. There are common health conditions that can impact our eyes.
If you were recently diagnosed with diabetes, lupus, or a thyroid condition, you will need to pay extra attention to your eye health.
Get started by discussing your diagnosis with Dr. Langer. She will help you develop a plan for how often you should come in to 512 Eye for eye exams and monitoring based on your individual situation.
Changes in Night Vision
Are you experiencing difficulty seeing other cars on the road and reading traffic signs when you drive at night? This can be the first sign of a vision change for many adults.
If you find yourself straining to read signs, having difficulty seeing objects, or seeing halos around lights, it’s time for an eye exam.
Frequent Headaches
If you notice you are experiencing headaches more often, it could be a sign that your vision is changing.
If you are a migraine sufferer, you may see spots in your vision before experiencing a migraine. These are often harmless, but in some cases, they can be an indication of an underlying eye condition.
These vision disruptions can also sometimes appear without a migraine. You may see small “floaters” that seem to move across your eyes or flashes of lights.
If these vision obstructions appear suddenly, seek immediate attention from an eye doctor. They can be the result of a serious issue such as retinal detachment.
Sensitivity to Light
If you experience a strong sensitivity to light that appears suddenly, this can be a symptom of an eye infection or corneal abrasion. It’s a good idea to have it checked out.
Eye Fatigue
Eye strain and fatigue can occur for many different reasons, most commonly spending a lot of time in front of a computer screen or from reading. If the fatigue persists for several days, it could indicate your glasses prescription has changed.
If you find that your eyes hurt from specific movements, such as looking from up to down or left to right, schedule an eye exam.
Even if you have not experienced one of these symptoms recently, it is important to make your eye health a priority. You should have your vision tested annually or at a frequency recommended to you for your personal situation and family health history by Dr. Langer.
Schedule your next eye exam today!