Always Have Glasses Even if You Don't Usually Wear Them

Visiting the eye doctor is a great way to stay up to date on your overall vision health. It also helps to detect any underlying eye diseases or conditions that you may be unaware of. While it's recommended that you visit an eye doctor at least every one to three years, if new eye symptoms begin to appear, you should schedule an appointment with your optometrist right away. Here are five reasons why you should call your optometrist and get your eyes checked out.

Sudden Onset Of Floaters

Floaters in the eyes are common and generally caused by gel-like pieces that break apart within the eye. They are often no cause for concern, notes Allaboutvision.com. But when they appear suddenly along with other visual disturbances such as loss of peripheral vision or dark spots anywhere in the eyes, it can be dangerous. This could be an indication of a detached retina, and you should seek emergency treatment right away. A detached retina can lead to blindness if not treated properly.  

Trouble Seeing At Night

One reason to get your eyes checked by a qualified optometrist is if you're having trouble seeing at night. Typically this is discovered while driving and can be worse if weather conditions are poor including rain, fog or snow. Having to strain to see properly is an indication your vision may be compromised. Your optometrist will examine your eyes and likely recommend vision correction lenses.

Frequent Eye Infections

If you've been noticing a lot of discharge in your eye, along with redness and irritation, it could be a sign of an infection. Repeated cases of conjunctivitis along with a sty in your eye lid can be concerning. An increase in eye infections and eye irritations could be the result of underlying eye disease or a medical condition such as diabetes. Treating the underlying issue will help prevent the infection from reoccurring.

Blurred Vision

As you age, your vision will change. Many times, these changes are subtle, but if you notice blurry vision that won't go away, it's time to see your eye doctor. It could be due to aging or something more serious such as advanced eye disease including glaucoma or macular degeneration. Your optometrist will carefully examine your eyes and test you for optical diseases that you are at risk for.

Recurrent Headaches

When your vision is struggling to focus, more than just your eyes have added pressure placed on them. Headaches are one sign of eye strain and other eye disorders in which you have strain to focus or read. If you work on a computer all day or stare at a machine for several hours, your eyes are already straining to focus. Many migraines, including ocular migraines can affect your vision as well. After an eye exam, your optometrist will be able to prescribe to you the correct lenses to improve your vision.

Eye care is important at any age. If you notice any changes in your vision, don't hesitate to seek help as soon as possible.

To learn more, contact an optometrist like Stevenson James Dr.