Regular checkups are an important part of maintaining healthy eyes and clear vision. If you’ve never worn glasses, you probably don’t make regular eye doctor visits a priority. Here’s a few reasons why you should.
When should you see an eye doctor?
Regardless of your vision, there are many other health reasons to visit an optometrist from dry eye and infection to cataracts and macular degeneration. These include:
· Sudden loss of vision – Partial or full loss of vision is typically caused by retinal detachment, a serious eye condition that could lead to blindness if left untreated.
· Flashing lights and floaters – These symptoms are also typical of retinal detachment and should be examined as soon as possible. While often harmless, floaters may be a warning sign of retinal tear, retinal detachment, eye tumor or bleeding within the eye, so don’t ignore these changes to your vision.
· Drainage or redness – If you experience any discharge, redness, itchiness or swelling, you should see an eye doctor immediately. These could be signs of infection like pink eye, an eye injury or hay fever. While hay fever is often harmless, allergy sufferers are more likely to get pink eye or an infection as a result.
· Sharp pain in or around your eyes – Pain near your eyes is not commonplace and could be a sign of a corneal ulcer or infection. If you wear contact lenses, you are more susceptible to ulcers and infection, so it’s important to get regular check-ups.
· Diabetes – If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes, the blood vessels in your retina are at risk for damage. You are also at a higher risk of developing cataracts, glaucoma or other serious eye conditions.
Early intervention is important for maintaining good eye health and vision. If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should see an eye doctor as soon as possible. We are committed to providing you with highly precise, low-stress, high-tech eye care. Schedule an appointment today using our easy online form or call 888-317-6703.
