4 Signs You Should Visit The Eye Doctor

Many people don't visit the eye doctor, but many people struggle with vision problems. As you get older, your vision may decline, and some health issues can impact your eyes and vision health. If you would like to know more, check out these four signs you should visit the eye doctor.

1. Your Vision Is Declining

Many people experience declining vision for a variety of reasons, including getting older. If you struggle to see distant objects or distant objects appear blurry, you may be developing nearsightedness or myopia. On the other hand, if you struggle to read or see objects up close, you may have farsightedness or hyperopia. Unfortunately, you can also develop both conditions.

Luckily, a quick trip to the eye doctor can determine if you have either condition, and they can prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses, which will allow you to see better. Depending on your vision, your eye doctor may suggest reading glasses, bifocals, or even trifocals.

2. You Experience Double Vision

If you have double vision frequently, you may have:

• Dry eyes
• Astigmatism
• Cataracts
• Lazy eye

Dry eyes are usually easily treated with eye drops, but the other conditions require more intervention. Astigmatism can usually benefit from glasses. Cataracts usually affect older adults, and you'll need surgery to remove and replace the clouded lens. Finally, lazy eye is more common in children and may require glasses and eye training to prevent blindness.

3. You Have Eye Pain and Sensitivity

Eye pain and sensitivity without a clear explanation may indicate a handful of issues, including glaucoma. Glaucoma usually affects older patients, and if left untreated, it can lead to reduced vision and even blindness.

While less serious, eye pain and sensitivity may indicate an eye infection, which needs antibiotics. Other causes of eye pain and sensitivity include:

• Blepharitis
• Inflammation
• Glaucoma
• Styes

4. You Injured Your Eye

If you injured your eye, visit the eye doctor. Even small damage can lead to a corneal abrasion. Depending on the cause of the injury, you may even get a foreign object in the eye that can scratch it. Other complications of eye injury include:

• Post-traumatic glaucoma
• Uveitis cataract
• Vitreous hemorrhage
• Retinal detachment

Even if you have little to no symptoms, the eye doctor can determine if there is any underlying damage and help prevent it from getting worse.

You may not visit the eye doctor often, but if your vision or eye health changes, they can help diagnose, treat, and even prevent more complications. If you would like to know more, contact an eye doctor today.