How to Know If You Need an Eye Exam: Signs to Watch For
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When was your last routine eye exam? If it's been a while, you might be overdue — especially if you've noticed changes in your vision. Ignoring vision issues can lead to more significant problems over time, so it's important to recognize the signs you need an eye exam. At Palm Beach Eye Center, we provide comprehensive eye exams to help you maintain healthy vision. Read on to learn some key signs you should get your eyes checked. Then, contact our eye center in Lake Worth and Delray Beach, FL to schedule an exam.
How do you tell if you need an eye test?
It can be hard to determine when it's time to visit your eye doctor. Some common indicators that it may be time for a routine eye exam include:
- Frequent headaches or eye strain when reading or using screens
- Blurry or fluctuating vision, either up close or far away
- Difficulty seeing at night or increased sensitivity to bright lights
- Seeing floaters, flashes of light, or double vision
- Dry, red, or irritated eyes that don't improve with eye drops
If you're experiencing these symptoms, a comprehensive eye exam can help determine the cause and the course of action.
Are you struggling with blurry or changing vision?
Blurry vision, whether up close or at a distance, is one of the most indicative signs you should get your eyes checked. Vision that fluctuates throughout the day or becomes worse in low light could indicate developing conditions like presbyopia, cataracts, or even diabetes-related eye problems. Blurry vision can also signal issues with the eye muscles or retina, making it important to get checked.
Do you see floaters, flashes, or experience double vision?
If you suddenly notice floaters, flashes of light, or double vision, these could be warning signs of a more serious condition, such as retinal detachment or eye disease. These symptoms should not be ignored. Sudden vision changes like these require an urgent eye exam to rule out issues such as macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or retinal tears.
Are your eyes frequently dry, red, or irritated?
Dry, red, or irritated eyes are often signs of problems such as dry eye syndrome or eye allergies, but they can also be linked to more serious conditions like conjunctivitis or autoimmune diseases. If your eyes feel scratchy or burn regularly, it's probably time to schedule an appointment to identify and treat the cause of discomfort.
Are you struggling with night vision or light sensitivity?
If night driving has become difficult or bright lights seem to cause discomfort, you may be dealing with conditions such as cataracts, corneal abnormalities, or even neurological issues. These symptoms can also be linked to migraines or other health conditions, so it's important to seek advice from an eye care professional. An eye exam can help determine the cause and suggest a solution for improving vision.
When should you get an eye exam if your eyes seem healthy?
Even if your eyes seem healthy and you're not experiencing any of the above symptoms, it's still important to have routine eye exams. Vision problems often develop gradually, and you may not notice any issues until they become more severe. Adults should have an eye exam every two years, even without noticeable symptoms, to ensure that conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or early signs of macular degeneration are detected early.
Children should also have eye exams to catch developmental issues that could affect their learning and development. Regular exams can help keep your vision sharp and prevent potential problems down the line.
Schedule your eye exam today
Your vision is too important to ignore. If you've noticed any of these signs in Palm Beach County, you should get your eyes checked. Our team at Palm Beach Eye Center is here to help. We offer comprehensive eye exams to detect and treat issues early, helping you maintain clear, comfortable vision. Don't wait — schedule your eye exam in Lake Worth or Delray Beach, FL and ensure the health of your eyes for years to come.