What Are 4 Signs That You Must Visit an Eye Doctor?

Jul 1, 2024 | Eye Exams

Have you been experiencing some vision changes lately? It might be time to schedule a visit to the eye doctor. Our eyes are so important, yet we often neglect them until there is an issue. In this blog post, we will share four signs that indicate it’s time to make an appointment with your eye doctor. 

1. Sudden vision changes 

If you experience sudden vision changes, it’s crucial to seek professional help immediately. This could include symptoms such as: 

  • Blurry vision: If you notice your vision is suddenly blurry or out of focus, it could indicate a serious condition like retinal detachment, macular degeneration, or even diabetes-related issues. 
  • Double vision: Seeing double can be a sign of a neurological issue or other serious medical conditions that require prompt attention. 
  • Vision loss: Partial or complete loss of vision in one or both eyes can be alarming and should be addressed by an eye doctor as soon as possible 

2. Eye pain or discomfort 

While mild eye discomfort can sometimes be a sign of fatigue or minor irritations, persistent or severe eye pain is not normal and requires an eye exam. Possible causes of eye pain include: 

  • Infections: Bacterial or viral infections can cause significant discomfort and may require prescription medication. 
  • Injuries: Eye trauma can lead to pain, redness, and potential long-term damage if not treated promptly. 
  • Glaucoma: This condition can cause increased pressure within the eye, leading to pain and potential vision loss if untreated. 

3. Frequent headaches 

Headaches can be a sign of various health issues, including eye strain or other vision-related problems. If you find yourself experiencing frequent headaches, especially after reading, using a computer, or watching TV, it might be time for an eye exam. Headaches can be linked to: 

  • Uncorrected vision problems: Issues like nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism can cause eye strain, leading to headaches. 
  • Eye alignment issues: Conditions such as strabismus (crossed eyes) or convergence insufficiency can also result in headaches. 

4. Difficulty seeing at night 

If you notice that your night vision is deteriorating, it could be a sign of an underlying eye condition such as cataracts. This condition causes the lens of the eye to become cloudy, making it difficult to see clearly, especially in low-light conditions. It could also be a sign of retinitis pigmentosa. Retinitis pigmentosa is a group of genetic disorders that affect the retina’s ability to respond to light, leading to difficulty seeing at night and loss of peripheral vision. 

Why regular eye exams matter 

Even if you don’t experience any of these symptoms, regular eye exams are essential for maintaining good eye health and catching potential issues early. At Lemoncelli Eyecare, we recommend comprehensive eye exams every one to two years, depending on your age, health, and risk factors. 

If you have concerns about your eye health or are due for an eye exam, schedule an appointment at Lemoncelli Eyecare in Nashville today. Our dedicated team is here to help you maintain optimal eye health and address any issues you may be experiencing.