Many folks often take their eyes for granted. If we wake up in the morning and can see, it’s easy to assume that nothing’s wrong. Nevertheless, some issues could arise that go beyond your vision. These telltale signs you should see an optometrist should be a warning that you shouldn’t discredit.
You Feel Constant Eye Pain
If you’re experiencing sudden, severe discomfort in your eye, don’t hesitate to see an eye doctor. A thorough examination of the eyes is necessary to diagnose and cure the issue. It might be something temporary, like a sinus issue or dry eyes. However, it could be something more ominous, like sudden-onset glaucoma or pink eye.
Red and swollen eyes are classic symptoms of pink eye. You may also experience a stinging or burning sensation, sensitivity to light, and a runny or crusty discharge from your eyes. Don’t brush off these signs.
You Experience Debilitating Headaches
Even though your vision seems unimpaired, throbbing discomfort in the forehead or around the eyes is a warning indication that something is wrong. Your eyes may be trying to make up for something, and you’re not even aware of it, causing frequent and unbearable headaches.
The blue light from electronic devices is a prominent source of digital eye strain that will magnify the problem. It’s important to understand how harmful blue light can be if you want to start avoiding it. Visiting your local optometrist could lead to answers. For example, they may recommend you wear blue light glasses if you stare at screens all day.
You Notice Flashing Lights
It’s not unusual to see little black spots or wavy lines in your vision, particularly if they appear after you stare at a bright object. Flashes of light or an unexpected increase in the number of floaters you’re seeing need an immediate trip to the eye specialist.
The same applies if you have trouble seeing out of your peripheral vision. These might be symptoms of a retinal detachment, in which the retina separates from the back wall of the eye. Do not delay seeking treatment, or you risk losing your sight permanently within a few days.
You’re Diabetic
Patients with diabetes have trouble metabolizing and storing sugar because of the disease. Because of this, sugar builds up in the blood and, if not treated, may harm the body’s delicate vascular system, including the eyes.
Diabetic retinopathy can occur when there’s damage to the retina. Eventually, loss of sight may result from diabetes if blood vessels in the eye bleed onto the retina. The best chance of protecting your vision is through prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Additionally, when the macula (the retina’s visual center) swells, a condition known as diabetic macular edema (DME) develops. Vision loss occurs because macula swelling destroys blood vessels and leads to leakage.
This is why optometrists advocate for regular checkups to spot problems early and maximize treatment success. By checking in on your eyes regularly, you may catch any changes before they become serious issues.
If you are not experiencing any of these telltale signs you should see an optometrist, you’re still not out of the woods because you may be long overdue for an exam. Everyone should have their vision examined every year.
However, it’s easy to brush that appointment aside if everything seems OK, but try not to make that mistake—your eyes will thank you.
