During these uncertain times, scheduling an eye examination may not be at the top of your to-do list. But if you want to keep your eyes in peak form, it should be. Here, the team at Clarity Eye Group reveals signs that indicate you are due for an exam.
It has been awhile since your last exam.
Routine eye exams are as important as dental check-ups or physicals. They are a valuable opportunity for your eye doctor to monitor your vision prescription and ensure it stays up to date; exams also enable the doctor to detect and get ahead of any eye problems that can progress without symptoms.
If you are under the age of 65, the American Optometric Association recommends eye exams at least every two years. After the age of 65, they recommend annual exams.
Your eyes are always dry, itchy or burning.
Dry eye disease is extremely common, causing symptoms such as eye burning, stinging, redness and scratchiness. If not detected and managed appropriately, the condition can damage the surface of your eyes and predispose you to serious problems like corneal ulcers.
Getting dry eyes checked out during an exam can help uncover the root cause of the problem. Then, your doctor can suggest medications or treatments to restore your eyes to a moister and more comfortable state.
Your vision is suddenly blurry or unfocused.
If you notice your vision is blurry or unfocused all of a sudden, or you have a difficult time seeing your phone or a newspaper clearly, there could be several plausible explanations — including but not limited to vision conditions like astigmatism, presbyopia or age-related macular degeneration. A complete workup with your doctor can clear up what is going on in your eyes and suggest ways to compensate for the visual decline.
Your peripheral vision is faltering.
Declining peripheral (side) vision can occur due to glaucoma, a serious disease that can permanently claim vision if not treated. If you cannot see the sides of your visual field as well as you used to, it is worth having your eyes screened for glaucoma.
You notice a lot of floaters or flashes of light.
Everyone experiences the occasional floater, which is a visual aberration that appears to move around in your visual field. Usually floaters are harmless. But if you notice a sudden increase in the number of floaters, or if the floaters are accompanied by flashes of light, an underlying ocular health problem — such as a retinal tear or retinal detachment — could be to blame. Don’t make the mistake of ignoring the problem and risking serious visual consequences.
Your eyes hurt.
Unrelenting eye pain should not be ignored. The problem could be as straightforward as an infection or there could be the possibility it is more insidious. Only an eye exam can tell.
Schedule an Eye Exam at Clarity Eye Group
To request an appointment with the experienced eye doctors at Clarity Eye Group, please call or email us today.