If you’re having trouble seeing, you probably think it’s because you need new glasses. That’s not always the case. Many other conditions can affect your vision, including eye disease and even diabetes. For instance, seeing spots, flashes of light, or halos around lights could signify a retinal detachment. You can read this list of signs that it might be time for an eye test:
Blurred or multiple images in one eye
If you see blurry or multiple images, it could be a sign of cataracts (clouded lenses), glaucoma, macular degeneration or other serious diseases. If you notice this symptom, talk to your optometrist right away.
Irritated or red eyes
Irritated or red eyes can be a sign of an infection. If your eyes have been irritated for more than four days, it’s best to get them checked out by a doctor. If there is any discharge from your eye and you have had a foreign body sensation in the past, then you should also seek medical attention immediately.
Other signs of an eye infection include:
- Pain
- Increased sensitivity to light
Eye strain or headaches
Eye strain is a common symptom caused by focusing on a near object for too long or poor lighting and posture. If you’re having trouble reading in the dark or when your eyes are strained, consider getting glasses that help.
Eye strain can also be caused by reading in poor lighting. For example, if you work at a desk where there’s fluorescent light all day, it may be making it harder for your vision to adjust when you leave work and go somewhere with natural light (like outdoors). This makes it more difficult to see clearly without glasses.
Eye fatigue (trouble focusing on near objects)
Eye fatigue is a symptom of the eyes getting overworked. The muscles in your eyes can become fatigued, which can cause eye strain and make it difficult for you to focus on near objects.
Eye fatigue is often caused by eyestrain, which occurs when you read or do other near-vision tasks for long periods without adequate breaks. Bifocals and progressive lenses are two common causes of eye fatigue. They force you to look through multiple zones at once, causing strain on your eyes as they try to adjust from focusing in front of them to focusing further away.
Seeing spots, flashes of light, or halos around lights
If you see spots, flashes of light, or halos around lights, this could signify a retinal detachment. It is essential to get to the doctor as soon as possible if you see these symptoms. The eye doctor will determine if your eyes are healthy and ensure no permanent damage to your sight. If your eyesight is declining, it’s time for an eye test.
Frequent squinting
People who squint frequently have a condition called eye strain. Several things, including prolonged computer use and reading in poor lighting conditions, can cause eye strain.
If you experience frequent squinting, it may be time to check your eyes. Eye strain can cause headaches, blurred vision and eye fatigue as well as light sensitivity.
Everyone should get their eyes tested regularly.
It is crucial to get your eyes tested regularly.
- Why?
You can’t see well, so you may get into an accident or miss something important with your eyesight. You may also be putting yourself at risk by not being able to see the road correctly when driving or cycling.
- When?
The NHS recommends that everyone between the ages of 16 and 64 have their eyes tested every two years. If you are over 65, then it is recommended that you have your eyes tested once a year instead of every two years as long as there are no problems with your vision and this does not change over time (you should still be seen more frequently if there has been a change). Children under 16 will need to be checked by an optometrist or doctor if they start having trouble reading or if their school reports suggest that there could be a problem with their sight. However, any child five years old or older should already have been given an eye test in school.
If you’re unsure whether you need a new prescription, it’s always best to make an appointment with your optometrist. After all, they know your eyes better than anyone else. If you want to be sure that you can see clearly and read comfortably, you must get in touch with your eye doctor at least once every two years.
