Don’t assume your eyesight is perfect when you haven’t seen your ophthalmologist or optometrist in years. Routine checkups with an eye care specialist are the right way to ensure your eyes are healthy. Unlike dental appointments, which are necessary every 6 months, going for comprehensive eye exams every two years is enough. Eye doctors may only recommend more frequent visits if they diagnose you with certain medical conditions such as glaucoma. The following signs and symptoms may indicate you need to see your eye doctor immediately.
Sudden blurry vision or difficulty in focusing
If you have challenges focusing on one or both eyes, consult your ophthalmologist to test your vision. It could be that you have presbyopia, a condition common in 40-year-olds. Eye doctors can analyse what is wrong with your vision and prescribe the appropriate solutions.
Vision disturbances
More often than not, floaters, light flashes, and obstruction in your vision require an immediate appointment with an eye specialist. If you cannot access your physician, head straight to the emergency room, as the appearance of these symptoms may signal a retinal detachment, tear, or hole. Seeing your doctor in time will minimise the risks of vision loss.
Eye pressure
Pressure in your eyes is a possible sign of glaucoma. Also, if you find driving hard at night or occasionally experience tunnel vision, you should go for an eye exam.
Headaches
While it is hard to predict the cause accurately, headaches are common warning signs of vision problems. There may be problems with your eyes if you squint before and during headaches.
You are far or short-sighted
If you cannot clearly see near or distant objects, it’s time to see an eye doctor. Eye specialists may recommend an implantable phakic contact lens (IPCL) as an effective solution for patients who are extremely myopic (short-sighted) or those who struggle with astigmatism. IPCL may also be a great option for patients with thin cornea and long-sightedness. This implantable material contains a UV blocker that stops harmful rays from reaching the most sensitive areas of your eye. It has excellent optical quality and superior correction range to enhance a patient’s vision.
You are approaching your forties
Ophthalmologists recommend annual eye exams for people in their forties. At this age, your eyesight may change dramatically, making visiting your doctor a must to improve your vision. In addition to that, your eyes may show signs of several diseases, including diabetes and high blood pressure. Early eye screening may help you diagnose and treat these conditions promptly.
You have not had an eye exam for a while
Scheduling regular ophthalmic appointments is important if you have existing problems with your vision. If you cannot remember the last time you visited your eye doctor, that is a great sign to see them immediately. Those with risk factors like diabetes and a family history of eye issues are encouraged to prioritise routine eye exams. Depending on your current situation, doctors may have to test your vision more than once yearly. Early detection and treatment are crucial for many eye diseases, namely glaucoma, cataracts, and diabetic retinopathy.
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