When Should You See an Eye Doctor? Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

It’s easy to take your vision for granted - until you start noticing changes. Whether it’s blurry vision, frequent headaches, or eye strain, these symptoms can signal something more serious. Knowing when to see an eye doctor is key to catching problems early and protecting your long-term eye health.

Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Some vision changes can be subtle, while others are more obvious. Regardless of severity, the following signs should prompt you to schedule an eye exam as soon as possible:

• Blurry Vision: Difficulty seeing objects up close or far away may indicate nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or even more serious conditions like cataracts.

• Eye Pain or Discomfort: Eye pain that doesn’t go away quickly, especially when accompanied by redness or sensitivity to light, could be a sign of infection, inflammation, or elevated eye pressure.

• Frequent Headaches: Headaches can sometimes stem from uncorrected vision issues or eye strain, particularly after long periods of screen time or reading.

• Difficulty Seeing at Night: Struggling with night vision could point to early signs of cataracts, vitamin A deficiency, or other underlying conditions.

• Double Vision: Seeing double can indicate a range of issues from muscle imbalances to neurological conditions. It should be addressed immediately.

• Flashes, Floaters, or Shadows: While occasional floaters are normal, a sudden increase in floaters, flashes of light, or a shadow in your vision could signal retinal detachment - an emergency that requires immediate attention.

• Dry or Watery Eye: Ongoing dryness, burning, or excessive tearing can be a sign of dry eye syndrome, allergies, or other eye surface disorders.

• Difficulty Focusing or Eye Fatigue: If your eyes feel tired after short periods of use or if you’re struggling to focus, it might be time for a new prescription or an evaluation for more complex vision issues.

Why Routine Eye Exams Are Essential

Even if you're not experiencing symptoms, routine comprehensive eye exams are vital for maintaining good vision and detecting eye diseases early - often before symptoms appear. Conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy can progress silently and may lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. Eye exams also provide insight into your overall health. During an exam, your optometrist can detect signs of high blood pressure, diabetes, and even some neurological disorders.

How Often Should You See an Eye Doctor?

Even if you’re not experiencing any noticeable symptoms, maintaining a regular schedule for eye exams is key to catching silent conditions early and preserving your vision. The frequency of your visits can depend on your age, risk factors, and existing eye health:

• Children: Pediatric eye exams should begin around age 3, with follow-ups every year, especially before starting school.

• Adults (18–60): A comprehensive eye exam every year is generally recommended, especially for those who wear glasses or contacts.

• Seniors (60+): Annual exams are essential, as age-related eye diseases become more common.

• High-Risk Individuals: People with diabetes, high blood pressure, a family history of eye disease, or those taking medications that affect vision should have exams more frequently.

Schedule Your Eye Exam Today

Don’t wait for a serious problem to arise before visiting your eye doctor. Whether you're noticing vision changes or it’s simply time for your yearly checkup, prioritizing your eye health is one of the best steps you can take for your quality of life.

If you’re experiencing changes in your vision, schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Argyle Eye Care for personalized treatment. Visit our office in Argyle, Texas, or call (940) 828-1010 to book an appointment today.