7 Warning Signs You Should See a Local Eye Doctor

Did you know that over 61% of the population needs some sort of vision correction? You or someone you know likely wears glasses, which is a common reason to visit an optometrist. What you might not be aware of is that there are a variety of other reasons why you might need to see a local eye doctor.

This guide will go over 7 warning signs that you shouldn’t ignore when it comes to your vision. If you notice any of them, it’s time to visit your local eye doctor.

Ready to learn more? Let’s get started.

1. Light Sensitivity

If you’re experiencing new sensitivity to light, it’s time to get it addressed. This usually accompanies some type of inflammation in the eye.

The issue could be with your cornea which is the thin transparent layer that covers your iris and pupil. It could also go deeper into the eye.

Whatever the problem might be, it’s something you’ll need to see your local optometrist for. Whatever the condition is that causes sensitivity could lead to scarring which can be permanent.

Although light sensitivity can also be caused by conditions unrelated to the eye, like a migraine headache, you don’t want to take any risks.

2. Difficulty Seeing at Night or While Driving

If you’re having trouble driving at night, it’s a good indicator that your vision may be starting to drop off. Everyone tends to have a harder time seeing something in the far distance or at night so if you’re already struggling, it will become more apparent during these situations.

The solution could be as simple as a new pair of glasses or it could mean that there is something problematic happening, like a cataract that’s beginning to form.

Night blindness may be a natural part of the aging process but you’ll want to get your vision checked in case it is cataracts. Cataracts can only be cured using surgery so be sure to get your eyes checked if driving at night becomes more difficult.

3. Eye Pain

Eye pain is never normal so if your eyes hurt, don’t wait to see if they improve. Severe eye pain could be caused by acute angle-closure glaucoma and it can make you go blind in a matter of days if not treated. Although this is an uncommon type of glaucoma, eye pain is one of the main symptoms.

Other causes of eye pain include irritation due to a foreign object, dry eyes, infection, headaches, or inflammation for many reasons. Even if your eye is slightly bothering you, there’s no harm in calling your eye doctor and seeing what they think.

4. Dry Eyes

Having dry eyes is a common condition, depending on where you live and who you are. For example, women are more likely than men to get dry eyes. Dry climates and certain medications can affect your eyes as well.

If your eyes tend to feel sore or like they’re full of little rocks, you can try lubricating eye drops from the pharmacy. Look for options without preservatives since they reduce the risk of eye irritation. If you don’t find relief within 1-2 days, it’s time to see an eye doctor.

5. Seeing Flashes or Spots

You may have noticed spots, sometimes called ‘floaters’, in your vision before. These can be normal but sometimes they are cause for concern. If you’re seeing flashes or spots, it could mean that your retina is torn, bleeding, or detached.

A damaged retina causes you to see little flashing lights or blobs floating in your vision. If this happens to you, you’ll need to call your eye doctor immediately.

It’s an easy condition to fix if you get it addressed quickly but the longer you wait, the more complicated it becomes to get it treated. A detached retina could lead to permanent vision loss. Any sudden onset of flashes of light, black spots in your vision, or a dark shadow in your field of vision should cause you to seek medical care.

6. Too Many Tears

Although it may not make much sense, your eyes watering too much could be a sign that you have dry eyes. Normal tear films require lots of different biochemical properties to be in perfect harmony. If they aren’t, you’ll either have dryness or your eyes will water too much.

You can have dry eye syndrome and still have tears coming down your face. Try using lubricating drops for 24 to 48 hours. If that doesn’t work, it’s time to give your local eye doctor a call.

7. Double Vision

Double vision can occur in either one eye or both eyes. It could be caused by dry eye, astigmatism, or keratoconus. There are also abnormalities in the retina, lens, cornea, nerves, or brain that cause double vision so be sure to make an appointment with your optometrist as soon as you notice.

Double vision caused by your eyes being unable to coordinate properly is called binocular double vision. This means seeing perfectly with each eye but seeing double when your eyes are at slightly different angles.

Warning Signs You Should See a Local Eye Doctor

When it comes to noticing any eye problems, time is of the essence. If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s time to visit your local eye doctor. Even if you don’t notice any of these signs, you should undergo an eye exam at least once every two years.

Any type of eye discomfort or pain can make it hard to function, it can also be an indicator of a more serious problem. You don’t want to risk a vision-impairing condition or infection so be sure to make an appointment with an eye doctor near you if there are any concerns.

Looking for the best eye doctor in Cedar Park, Texas? Look no further than Cedar Park vision. Be sure to contact us today to make an appointment.