We at the Meadows Family Eyecare clinic encourage you to get a routine eye exam every few years. A general rule of thumb is to get an exam every two to three years, but there are some cases where you might need to get an exam a little sooner. Here are a few signs that suggest you need an eye exam soon.
You Have a Certain Medical Condition
You will need eye exams more often if you have a medical condition that might inhibit your sight. Some of these conditions include:
- Hypertension or high blood pressure
- Type 2 diabetes
- Heart disease
- A prior family history of eye-related concerns
These physical issues can impair the flow of blood to your eyes. They may also harm the nerves leading to your eyes, thus impairing your vision.
You’re Reaching An Age Milestone
Your risk of developing glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts, or another eye-related concern will increase as you age. We at the Meadows Family team recommend you schedule an eye exam after reaching 40, 50, 60, or 65 years of age.
The lens of the eye will start to harden around these ages. The concern often causes presbyopia, a form of farsightedness that occurs due to wear on the lens. It is the reason why so many older people require reading glasses.
Your Eyes Don’t Feel Right
There can be cases where your eyes aren’t feeling as healthy as you wish. Sometimes you might notice a few things surrounding your eyes:
- The eyes are constantly dry and itchy.
- You have been noticing red spots on your eyes.
- You are seeing spots or sudden light flashes.
- You may notice floaters on your eyes. These are black spots that look like strings that can move across your eyes.
You Often Feel Pains Around the Eyes
You can request an eye exam if you notice pains around your eyes. You could develop eye strain or headaches from constant time in front of a computer screen. Some pains may also occur when you’re trying to follow a moving target. You might become dizzy or nauseous.
You Experienced Head Trauma
We also recommend you schedule an eye exam if you have experienced head trauma for any reason. This includes trauma from a vehicle wreck, a concussion, or anything else of concern. Your eyes might experience damage due to the trauma, but you might not be aware of it until the issue becomes worse.
Ask us today for details about an eye exam. We encourage you to see what is happening with your eyes and that you receive the help you need soon.