When you look around the room, what do you see? Do you see everything clearly, or are there spots in your visual field that are a bit blurry or fuzzy? If your answer is the latter, you need to see an optometrist for an assessment. In fact, it is a good idea to see an optometrist once a year whether or not you are actually noticing any changes to your vision. Optometrists offer vital services for us all. If you're seeking a better understanding of those services, then we invite you to read the articles provided on this blog, which is all about optometrists and their work.
Harry Garcia
Are you someone who tends to shrug off various medical symptoms and minor problems, figuring they will go away on their own? Sometimes, the problems probably do fade away, never to return again. Other times, though, they really are an indication that something is amiss. The following symptoms, for example, are often brushed aside, when really they indicate that you should see an optometrist.
Frequent Headaches
There are a lot of reasons why you may be getting headaches frequently. You could be tired or stressed, or you may not be drinking enough water. Often, though, frequent headaches are due to an underlying problem with your vision. It's probably not anything serious. Your vision may just be slightly less clear than it should be, causing you to unknowingly strain when reading or looking at things, and thereby leading to headaches. Your eye doctor can prescribe glasses or contacts so that you're able to see more clearly and avoid headaches. Or they may tell you that your vision is fine, which can prompt you to look at other likely explanations.
You're Nervous to Drive at Night
If you feel nervous or uncomfortable driving at night, ask yourself if this is related to your vision. Do the lights look too bright and halo-like? Maybe you struggle to read signs. Trouble driving at night can be the first sign of cataracts, glaucoma, and a number of other more serious eye problems. If you see the eye doctor at this stage, there is probably a lot they can do to keep the problem from getting worse. On the other hand, if you put off care until you have trouble seeing in the daytime, too, you'll have that much harder of a time with treatment.
Your Eyes Feel Dry
Eye dryness is often dismissed as a consequence of staring at a screen too long or not getting enough sleep. However, untreated eye dryness increases your risk of eye infections and corneal scratches, so it's a smart idea to see an optometrist for this symptom, even if you're sure they'll just tell you to spend less time behind the computer screen. There are actually glasses they can prescribe you to reduce computer-related eye strain and dryness. And if your eye dryness turns out to be related to an underlying condition like allergies or an autoimmune disorder, they can make sure you get the proper care, often in collaboration with a physician.
Don't ignore eye problems. Even if they seem minor, you only have one set of eyes, so you need to take great care of them.