7 Signs You Should Go to the Eye Doctor

Eye health is one of the most sensitive aspects of overall body health. Eye health is sensitive because most eye conditions only present symptoms at an advanced stage. Because of this characteristic of many eye conditions, experts advise that you have routine eye exams regularly.

So, how do you know you should go to an eye doctor?

Night Vision

According to Michelle Andreoli, MD, the clinical spokesman for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, night vision is the best benchmark for deteriorating vision. When you struggle more than you usually do to see at night, you will be aware of it more quickly.

Problems with night vision may require only prescription glasses to correct. However, they may be a sign of a more sinister underlying condition. It is best to see an eye doctor for a correct diagnosis.

Blurry Vision

Another common sign of vision problems is developing blurry vision. Like night vision issues, it can be a sign of a minor eye problem or a sign of a more problematic situation. 

It is best to see an eye doctor when you develop a blurry vision that was previously not there or was there and gets worse. The eye doctor will run a few tests to determine its cause. 

Some of the more severe causes of blurry vision are:

• Cataracts

• Age-related macular degeneration

• Glaucoma

• Retinal diseases

Frequent Headaches

The eyes work in conjunction with the brain, and one of the symptoms of underlying vision issues is frequent headaches. An occasional headache is not uncommon, but frequent headaches are a symptom of something else. Conditions like eyestrain, infection, or glaucoma can be vision-related causes of frequent headaches. Another vision issue that causes headaches is binocular vision dysfunction.

Double Vision

Double vision can result from several causes, like a tumor, injury, stroke, or other illness. If you suddenly develop double vision, you should see an eye doctor immediately. Prescription eyewear may correct it if it originates from conditions like astigmatism. If it is a problem with eye coordination, vision therapy may be a treatment option.

Eye Pain

Pain around or in the eye is often a sign of an eye condition. It is not normal to have eye pain, so you should see an eye doctor immediately when you develop it. Ocular tumors and glaucoma can cause intense pain that may advance to loss of vision in a short time. You may also develop eye pain from allergies, infections, or eye injuries.

Large Floaters or Flashing Lights

Occasional floaters and flashing lights are normal in vision. But abnormally large floaters or frequent flashing lights are not. They may be a sign of a retinal detachment or tear. It would be best to see an eye doctor immediately if you notice them.

Feeling Gritty or Dry Eyes

Feeling gritty or dry in the eyes is a symptom of dry eye syndrome. It may occur due to the weather or an allergic reaction to something in the environment. You can get relief from artificial tears if the condition is not severe. But if the symptoms do not subside in two days, you should see an eye doctor. 

For more signs you should go to the eye doctor, call (772) 272-9470 for Atlanta Eye Group at our offices in Atlanta, Alpharetta, or Kennesaw, Georgia.