Eye doctors recommend having regular eye exams and checkups based on your age. However, certain eye problems should make you schedule an appointment with the eye doctor as soon as possible. If you’re suffering from the following eye conditions, you should contact a trusted eye doctor right away:
1. Night Blindness
Poor night vision is common as we get older, but this symptom could also be caused by a serious issue. If you notice a definite change in your night vision, it’s best to get a full check up to assess for a serious cause.
2. Blurred Vision
Blurred vision can be caused by something as innocuous as needing a new prescription, but it could be a manifestation of something more serious such as cataracts, macular degeneration or glaucoma.
3. High Sensitivity to Light
Most patients have some level of light sensitivity, but unusual amounts of sensitivity to light could be a manifestation of a more serious issue.
4. Red and Pink Eyes
Eye redness is often nothing serious and is usually caused by dry eyes and allergies, but continued redness may be a manifestation of a more significant issue involving your eye or body health.
5. Frequent and Consistent Headaches
Headaches are common and can be attributed to eye strain and need for updated glasses, but there are more ominous causes that need to be assessed if your headaches have a different pattern or severity than usual. A comprehensive eye exam can assess for more severe causes.
6. Dry Eyes
Dry eye syndrome is a common condition that can be caused by factors such as dry climate, medications, and over-wearing contact lenses. Over the counter lubricating eye drops are usually of great help, but if the condition persists you should visit the eye doctor to determine the root cause of your dry eyes.
Even severe eye diseases are treatable when detected early. A knowledgeable eye doctor can significantly improve your eyesight and address any eye-related concerns.