Posted by: Eye Health Northwest in Eye Exams on November 25, 2019
Have you been noticing that it is harder to read things close up or far away? Do you remember the last time you got an eye exam? These are some of the signs that you need an eye exam. Keep reading for 8 signs that it’s been too long since your last eye exam!
1. Blurry Vision
Finding it difficult to see signs in the distance? Has reading your favorite book become too challenging because your vision is blurry? These are common signs that your vision has changed.
You could be becoming near or farsighted. If objects near and far are hard to see, you could be developing astigmatism. Making sure you rest your eyes and are hydrated can help if you experience minor blurry vision.
2. Problems Looking at the Computer
Most of us use a computer quite frequently. But when it is hard to see, you should try the 20-20-20 rule.
Try looking 20 feet away for 20 seconds about every 20 minutes. If you still have problems, book an appointment with your eye doctor.
3. Problems Seeing at Night
If you’re finding it harder to see at night, this could mean you are developing cataracts. It could also be a sign of other vision problems.
You should see your eye doctor so they can determine what is causing your problems seeing at night.
4. Difficulty Transitioning from Bright Places to Dark Places
Sometimes it can take longer for your eyes to adjust from being in a dark movie theater to the bright outdoors. If you find it difficult to transition, it could mean the muscles that help the iris are weakening. This is something that happens as we age.
5. Eye Strain or Fatigue
Your eyes can become tired when you have blurry vision, squint a lot, or need to blink to see objects clearly. Your eyes can also become tired when reading, driving, writing or looking at screens.
Taking breaks can help, but if these feelings of strain or fatigue occur often, see your eye doctor.
6. Headaches
Having headaches often can mean your cornea and lens are struggling to focus. When this happens, the smaller muscles have to work harder.
This causes eye strain which can result in headaches. Squinting can cause headaches too.
7. Double Vision
Experiencing double vision can be an indicator that there are problems with your cornea or eye muscles. It can also be a sign of cataracts.
This is not normal, so see your eye doctor if you experience double vision regularly.
8. Your Contacts or Glasses Do Not Help
Having glasses or contacts should help your vision. If you wear your glasses or contacts and you don’t feel like you can see, that’s a problem.
Wearing a prescription that’s out of date can cause eye strain or fatigue. You should see your eye doctor as soon as possible to get an updated prescription.
If you’ve been suffering from these symptoms for a long time, it’s definitely time for an eye exam. Vision conditions usually develop over time, but some do happen quickly.
Getting your eyes checked is the only way to keep your eyes healthy.
Need to book an eye exam for you and your family? Schedule an appointment at EyeHealth Northwest in Portland, OR today!
