Believe it or not, a single eye exam is enough to keep you on top of your eye health. However, this is not always the case, especially since some people might find the need to schedule two or more eye exams in a year. Keep in mind that vision tends to change over time. And, as you age, the need to find a suitable eye test grows; hence, it is important to know when you need to schedule an exam. To check your eyes, you can go to your local opticians or search for “eye test near me” on Google.

An eye exam is important in keeping your eyes healthy and your vision sharp. If you have medical conditions like ocular disorders or diabetes, you are going to need frequent exams in a year. Still, there are signs and/or symptoms that should tell you to visit opticians near me – even if you are not really due for one.

If you experience any of the signs below, make sure to undergo an exam as soon as you can. Immediate medical attention is what you need to keep things at bay.

1. Changes in Night Vision

When you go on the road at night, can you see all relevant road signs? Are you not having a hard time reading the sign that says, “Right Lane Must Turn Right?” The most common sign of a vision change for many adults out there is increased difficulty when driving at night. From not being able to read signs to seeing halos around lights to having difficulty distinguishing objects, these are just some of the many signs that tell you to pay an optometrist a visit.

2. Frequent Headaches

If you have a vision problem, it is expected from you to experience frequent headaches. While it is true that changes in vision can take quite slowly, headaches are considered among the early warning signs of a vision problem. This is most especially the case if you tend to experience re-occurring headaches. If this is what you are experiencing right now, do not hesitate to have your eyes checked by a medical professional.

3. Eye Infection or Discharge

Eye exams are not just about identifying issues in your vision – they are also designed to evaluate the overall health of your eyes. In other words, an optometrist will have the opportunity to check whether you are suffering from an eye infection or discharge. Most eye infections can clear up on their own, but a good number of them are deemed contagious. What is worse, they can bring permanent damage to your eyes. Start seeing an eye doctor as soon as you begin experiencing discharge, itchiness, and/or redness.

4. Eye Pain or Eye Fatigue/Strain

If you tend to have sporadic eye pain or eye strain, it is not really a problem that needs to be addressed right away. After all, there are several factors that can result in temporary eye fatigue or pain, such as lack of sleep and seasonal allergies, among others. But if this eye pain or strain has been there for more than a few days, then it is time to see an eye doctor. In some cases, this can be a sign of an eye infection or an even more serious health condition. Do not want for things to worsen. If you have the opportunity, visit your go-to optometrist right away.

5. Consistent Vision Disruptions

Vision disruptions can be a common thing, especially for people who suffer from migraine. These disruptions are noticeable by the so-called “floaters,” which tend to move across your eye. Like eye pain or fatigue, disruptions are caused by different factors. But if they appear all of a sudden, it is time to seek immediate medical attention. Vision disruptions can often be a result of a more serious eye issue, such as retinal holes or retinal detachments. 

6. Sensitivity to Light

Are your eyes sensitive to light? Does this sensitivity tend to appear suddenly? This one right here can be a symptom to a corneal abrasion, eye infection, or a central nervous system disorder like meningitis. The only best way to find out why your eyes are sensitive to light is by getting an assessment from a doctor. You want it to be addressed as soon as possible, so you can keep check of your eye health.