5 Signs You Might Need an Eye Exam
Here are the 5 Signs You Might Need an Eye Exam
We’ve all been there. You’re squinting to make out the words on the page, you can’t seem to focus on anything for more than a few minutes at a time, and you have a killer headache. But you don’t want to go to the doctor because, well, who likes going to the doctor? And besides, it’s just your eyes, right?
Wrong! If you’re experiencing any of the following five symptoms, it might be time to schedule an appointment with your local eye doctor. Trust us, your eyes will thank you.
1. You’re having trouble reading.
If you’re struggling to read signs or books, it might be time for an eye exam. According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), ” Difficulty reading is not merely a matter of needing new glasses or contact lenses. It can be a sign of more serious problems.” So if you’re having trouble reading, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor.
2. You’re seeing floaters or flashes of light.
Seeing floaters—those little specs that seem to float across your vision—is relatively common and usually nothing to worry about. However, if you start seeing them frequently or in large numbers, it could be a sign of something more serious, like a detached retina. Flashes of light are also relatively common and usually nothing to worry about. However, if they occur frequently or without any obvious trigger (like blinking), they could also be a sign of something more serious, like migraines or stroke. If you see either floaters or flashes of light frequently or in large numbers, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor as soon as possible.
3. Your eyes are red and irritated.
Eye fatigue is pretty common—especially if you spend a lot of time staring at screens (which most of us do these days). However, if your eyes are red and irritated all the time, it could be a sign of something more serious, like allergies or pink eye. If over-the-counter treatments aren’t helping and your eyes are still red and irritated, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor so they can take a closer look.
4. You have double vision.
Double vision is pretty much exactly what it sounds like: seeing two images instead of one. It can be temporary and harmless (like when you see two images after looking at the sun) or it can be permanent and harmful (like when you have two images because of nerve damage). Either way, if you experience double vision, even for a short period of time, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor so they can determine the cause and provide treatment if necessary.
5. You’re experiencing headaches or dizziness.
Headaches and dizziness are not typically symptoms of eye problems—but they can be! If you experience either one frequently (more than once per week) or severely (to the point that over-the-counter medication doesn’t help), it’s worth mentioning to your eye doctor during your next appointment so they can rule out any underlying causes.
If you’re experiencing any of the following five symptoms—trouble reading; seeing floaters or flashes of light; redness and irritation; double vision; headaches or dizziness—it might be time for an eye exam . So don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your local optometrist or ophthalmologist . And while you’re at it , be sure to check out Oggleyes .com —the best online directory for finding optometrists and ophthalmologists in your area!