Recognizing When You Need to See an Eye Care Professional
Unless you have already experienced problems with your eyes, chances are you take them for granted, figuring that as long as you can see fine, everything must be OK. However, you may be risking long-term damage to your eyes by not identifying and taking take care of any problems today.
Since changes in your vision may occur in a very subtle manner over a long period of time, you may not recognize that your vision has diminished or that you have developed other eye problems. Left untreated, any change in the condition of your eyes can worsen or cause unnecessary strain on your eyes.
Vision can change quickly as you get older, so individuals over the age of 40 need to have their eyes checked even more frequently. People with diabetes should also schedule regular visits to their eye doctor since they are at increased risk of eye problems.
Obviously, in the case of sudden vision loss, you should immediately contact your eye professional or visit the emergency room. However, whenever you experience any eye discomfort or changes in vision, it is advisable to make an appointment to see your doctor. Your eyesight is too important to risk causing further damage by waiting.
Here are some signs that you should have an eye exam.
- Frequent eyestrain - If your eyes occasionally get tired, it is probably not a problem. However, frequent eyestrain or extended periods of fatigue may signal a deterioration of the health of your eyes.
- Tears –Unprovoked tears or moisture in the eyes is often a sign of the beginning of an eye problem like dry eyes.
- Headaches – If you suddenly experience headaches on a regular basis, it could be due to eyestrain.
- Squinting – You may take some time to recognize that you are doing it, but squinting is a definite sign that you need to get your eyes checked.
The above are usually not symptoms of emergencies and may be resolved with glasses, contact lenses or eye drops, but you should still see your doctor as soon possible. If you experience any of the signs below, you should see your doctor immediately as they indicate more serious problems.1, 2.
- Spots and Floaters – The sudden appearance of spots and floaters may signal a detachment of the retina or a tear that can cause loss of eyesight.
- Narrowing of Field of Vision – If you can only see directly in front of you, you may have developed glaucoma. If it is not treated, vision loss will continue.
- Blurred Eyesight and Loss of Bright Colors – This may be a sign of cataracts which may lead to blindness over time unless you undergo surgery.
- Photophobia (unable to tolerate light)
- Pupil is an abnormal shape or uneven
- Pain or impaired vision with associated headache or vomiting
- Penetrating eye injury or embedded foreign body
- Harsh chemical irritants in eye such as acid, alkali or cement
There are many other signs of both minor and major problems with your eyes, including redness, trouble focusing, red eyes and general eye pain. You should never hesitate to visit your eye care professional as soon as any symptoms appear. It is far better to schedule an appointment for a false alarm than to wait until a particular eye condition becomes more severe.
American Academy of Ophthalmology
Health Guidance
All About Vision
American Academy of Family Physicians
Prevent Blindness America