Vision is one of our essential senses, yet it’s easy to take it for granted — until something goes wrong. Many vision problems develop slowly, making it difficult to notice the changes until they interfere with daily life. Recognizing the early signs of a vision problem is crucial in protecting your eyesight and overall health. Below are the top 10 signs you may need to request an eye exam.
When to See an Eye Doctor
Frequent Headaches
Do you often find yourself battling headaches by the end of the day? Frequent headaches, especially after prolonged reading, computer work, or other close-up tasks, can indicate eye strain or other vision issues. If your eyes work overtime to compensate for a vision problem, it can lead to tension headaches that may seem unconnected to your eyesight.
Blurry Vision
Whether it’s difficulty focusing on distant objects or trouble reading up close, blurry vision is a common sign of a refractive error, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Blurriness can occur suddenly or gradually and may affect one or both eyes. Regardless of how it presents, persistent blurry vision is a clear sign that you should have your eyes checked.
Difficulty Seeing at Night
Nighttime vision is critical for safe driving and navigating dimly lit environments. If you notice that your night vision is deteriorating — perhaps you're having trouble seeing road signs or experiencing glare from headlights — it could indicate a problem like cataracts or the early stages of other vision conditions.
Eye Strain or Fatigue
In our digital age, eye strain and fatigue are increasingly common. However, if your eyes frequently feel tired or strained, especially after using a computer or other digital devices, it could indicate an underlying vision problem. You should not ignore symptoms like dryness, soreness, or a burning sensation in the eyes.
Double Vision
Seeing double horizontally, vertically, or diagonally can be alarming and often points to underlying conditions. Misalignment of the eyes (strabismus), cataracts, or even neurological problems can cause double vision. Immediate attention from an eye care professional is essential if you experience double vision.
Squinting or Closing One Eye
Suppose you find yourself squinting or closing one eye to see better. In that case, your eyes are likely having trouble working together. This could indicate a refractive error, like astigmatism, or problems with eye alignment. While squinting may temporarily improve focus, it’s a sign that you should get your eyes checked.
Halos Around Lights
Seeing halos or rings around lights, especially at night, can be disorienting and is often a symptom of vision issues like cataracts or glaucoma. Refractive errors that worsen over time may also cause halos. If you start to see halos, it’s essential to seek an eye exam as soon as possible.
Trouble Focusing on Close or Distant Objects
If you find it increasingly difficult to switch your focus from close objects to distant ones (or vice versa), it could be a sign of presbyopia or other focusing problems. This issue can cause frustration and discomfort, especially when performing tasks like reading or driving.
Eye Pain or Discomfort
You should take any pain or discomfort in your eyes seriously. While it can sometimes be due to dry eyes or a minor injury, persistent or severe eye pain can be a symptom of a serious condition, such as an eye infection, glaucoma, or other issues that require prompt treatment.
Changes in Peripheral Vision
Your peripheral vision allows you to see objects out of the corner of your eye. If your side vision is becoming less sharp or you’re experiencing blind spots, it could indicate conditions like glaucoma, leading to permanent vision loss if not treated early.
Safeguard Your Vision with an Eye Exam
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it’s time to prioritize your eye health. Regular eye exams are essential in catching and treating vision problems before they escalate. Don’t wait for your symptoms to worsen. Request an eye exam with Northwest Eye Center to ensure your vision remains clear and healthy.