Signs You Need An Eye Exam

Frequent Headaches

When individuals experience headaches, their eyes usually aren't the first thing they think of when trying to identify the culprit. Headaches can be caused by dozens of different issues in different parts of the body. Muscle tension and fatigue can cause them, as can neurological issues. But frequent headaches are also often a sign a patient's vision is changing. If individuals are experiencing unexplained headaches with greater intensity or frequency than usual, they should see their regular doctor or optometrist. Individuals suffering from migraines might experience vision disturbances during the episode. The vision disturbances sometimes occur directly before an episode like a warning, and they might persist after the pain is gone. It's common for spots, auras, and other obstructions to occur. They tend to be harmless, but there have been cases where these disturbances indicate a more serious underlying condition that needs treatment. For this reason, if patients experience eye disturbances during migraines, they should consult a doctor.

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Night Vision Changes

Night vision changes can sometimes be among the first signs something is different with a patient's eyes. Their night vision is governed by different parts of the eye than their vision during the day. Several conditions can affect an individual's ability to see at night without affecting their daytime vision. Most patients first notice a decline in night vision when they try to drive at night. The glare of oncoming headlights or street lamps might be blinding whether or not the brights are on. Individuals might also struggle to read road signs they wouldn't normally have problems with. Difficulty with night driving is the first sign of vision changes for many adults. If individuals can't distinguish telephone poles and other objects, can't read signs, or see halos surrounding lights in the night, they should get in contact with an optometrist. If they suspect an underlying condition, they may refer the patient to an ophthalmologist to receive a diagnosis and treatment. Almost all adults experience a decline in night vision as they get older. In many cases, there are treatment options to help.

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