Ideally, scheduling regular appointments with an optometrist is a good way to ensure that you maintain your eye health. However, in some cases you may need to have more than just the normal eye check up appointments. Over the course of the year, your vision may change and you begin to experience some signs and symptoms that warrant you to have an immediate eye check up. So, how do you know you need to see an optometrist? When can you tell you need an eye exam?

Problems in focusing and sudden blurry vision

When you experience sudden blurry vision, you need to see an eye doctor as that may lead to a larger health issue. This is also the same case for problems focusing. If you experience these problems, whether in either eyes or one of them, see your optometrist for evaluation and assessment. Do not forget that your vision and eye health is important, so take charge of it.

Visual disturbances like flashes of light, floaters or obstruction of vision

Just like blurry vision, visual disturbances can also indicate an underlying condition, which if not checked in time, may turn serious. In some cases, these signs may show vision-threatening disorders like retinal hole, retinal tear or retinal detachment. If you experience these signs suddenly, seek immediate medical attention from an optometrist in Scarborough area just to be on the safe side.

Frequent headaches

That’s right. Even frequent headaches can be a sign of visual problems. Sometimes you do not have to wait until you start having visual problems; if you experience headaches with change in vision, do not just sit there. You may want to see your eye doctor and get the eyes checked. You will be glad you did!

Extra sensitive to light

Look at it this way: you have never had a problem with your eye’s sensitivity to light, but you just experience sudden onset of sensitivity. This is not normal. It should be a wake up call to see your optometrist for examination. If not an eye infection, the eye doctor will check for other disorders that may be developing in your eyes.

Eye fatigue/eye pain

Having infrequent eye fatigue or eye pain may be normal at some times. However, if the situation deteriorates and the pain does not seem to go away, even after a few days or weeks, it is only wise to seek medical attention. This is especially critical for children and older adults.

Scheduling an eye exam at least once a year is recommended to keep your eyes in great health. Yes, you eyes may seem fine and choose to skip your annual appointment, but when you procrastinate for long, you may not notice an underlying condition until it is too late. Do the right thing and schedule regular check ups, and stick to it.

An optometrist will conduct the necessary tests and advise you on the right treatment options. Whether it’s a child, an adult or an elderly person; do not underestimate the value of scheduling a visit to the optometrist.