When you go to the doctor for your annual physicals, you make sure to see your dentist regularly. You’ve got this healthcare thing down. But do you see your eye doctor on a regular basis? Given how often we depend on vision, it can be hard to notice a problem. By keeping a close watch on your eyes at each annual checkup, however, you might catch an eye disease early — one that could have been easily treated if diagnosed early on.
Here are five signs you might need an eye exam:
1. You’re having a hard time reading.
If you’re having a hard time reading your phone, posters in the mall, or the signs on your way to work, you might have a vision problem. Give your optometrist a call to schedule a full exam.
2. You’re a working mom.
Working moms tend to get less sleep than other moms, and it can affect their vision. If you’re a working mom, it’s a good idea to schedule a check-up once a year.
3. You wear contact lenses.
Contact lenses can create a number of complications for your eyes. Some people don’t even realize they have an infection in their eye because they don’t realize it’s affecting their vision. Make sure your eyes are healthy by scheduling regular exams.
4. You have an intense hobby.
Some hobbies — like reading — can put a lot of strain on our eyes. If you’re a bookworm, you should schedule an annual exam.
5. You’re an older adult.
Older adults can face a number of vision problems. Some problems, like cataracts, can be corrected, while others, like macular degeneration, can’t. Getting your eyes checked regularly can help you catch a problem before it gets worse.
6. You have allergies
If you think you have an eye allergy, go to your eye doctor to have it checked out. Your optometrist can assist you in choosing a type of contact lens that can protect your eye.
7. You’re a child.
Children’s eyes grow very rapidly in their early years. This can cause a number of vision issues, from nearsightedness to farsightedness. Children’s vision can change frequently, so parents should have kids’ eyes checked when they fall within the normal range. In the United States, that’s between the ages of three and five.
8. You’re a senior.
Seniors are at an increased risk for vision problems. As they age, their eyes can weaken and age-related macular degeneration can set in.
9. You’ve had a hard time seeing at night.
If you’ve found yourself having more trouble seeing at night, this could be a sign of an eye problem. Find out if you need an eye exam by scheduling an appointment with your optometrist.
10. You have diabetes.
Anyone with diabetes should see their optometrist at least once a year. Diabetes can cause several eye issues, including diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to blindness.
11. You’ve had bad habits.
If you’ve had a hard time seeing, but you’ve continued to read, watch TV, or text with your head too close to the screen, you could be developing an eye problem. Schedule an eye exam to make sure you’re not developing a vision problem due to bad habits.
Looking for a local optician to help you with your vision? Get in touch with us today to see how we can help.
