5 Warning Signs That You Should Visit an Eye Doctor ASAP
The eyes can reveal severe health problems that the rest of your body can’t. For this reason, you should always visit an eye doctor regularly.
There are two types of eye doctors: ophthalmologists and optometrists. Both have different roles but can work together to take care of you.
You’re having trouble focusing
It’s normal to get distracted from time to time, but if you find that you’re losing focus regularly, it may be a sign of a more serious issue. It’s essential to visit your doctor for a diagnosis so you can begin treatment early.
Blurry vision can indicate several health issues, including cataracts, glaucoma, and myopia (nearsightedness). Blurry vision could also mean that your prescription needs to be updated, which is why it’s so important to visit the eye doctor annually.
If you don’t need glasses, an annual eye exam every two years will be enough to keep your eyes healthy. However, once you reach the age of 65, make sure to visit your eye doctor on an annual basis.
You’re experiencing pain
Seeing an eye doctor Ottawa for annual exams is a great idea, but sometimes, you must pick up the phone and schedule an urgent care appointment immediately. If you’re experiencing pain or a change in your vision, it’s essential to see an eye doctor as soon as possible so they can help prevent further complications and even loss of sight.
Sharp or throbbing pain is a sign that something’s wrong with your eye, which could be anything from a corneal abrasion to a retinal detachment. Experiencing pain in combination with other symptoms can also indicate serious health problems like glaucoma. A visit to the eye doctor will be able to identify and treat the issue before it escalates.
You’re seeing floaters
Eye floaters are dark shapes that appear in your vision, typically floating around your field of view. They can look like spots, specks, strings, or cobwebs and move when you blink.
They’re clumps of protein suspended in the gel-like fluid (vitreous) that fills your eyes. As you age, this fluid liquefies, and the little clumps in your eyes cast shadows on the retina.
Small floaters that come and go over time aren’t necessarily cause for concern, but it’s essential to visit an eye doctor if you notice a sudden increase in floaters or flashes in your vision. These symptoms can indicate that the vitreous is pulling away from your retina, and this needs to be treated immediately. If left untreated, this can lead to a retinal tear or detachment.
You’re experiencing blurry vision
Suppose your blurry vision results from a common eye problem, like nearsightedness or farsightedness. In that case, you can fix it by getting an eye exam and a prescription for glasses or contact lenses. Blurry vision can also occur due to a chronic condition, such as diabetes or glaucoma, or a temporary health issue, such as a migraine.
Eye strain, such as looking at a screen for long periods, can cause fatigue-related blurred vision. Resting your eyes by following the 20/20/20 rule (focusing on an object 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes) can help reduce this blurred vision. Migraines and other headaches may also cause blurred vision, significantly if associated with auras. Migraine symptoms vary between individuals, so if your blurred vision is new or unusual, see your doctor as soon as possible.
You’re experiencing loss of vision
A sudden loss of vision is a severe issue that needs to be addressed immediately. It could indicate a blockage in the small arteries and veins that bring blood to and from your eyes, which can lead to a stroke.
Pain in the eye can also be a warning sign that something is wrong. It’s essential to visit your doctor if you experience eye pain because it can be a sign of an infection or even a health condition like high blood pressure, according to 2021 research in The Lancet.
Seeing flashes and a sudden onset of floaters can signify that your retina is detaching, another big problem requiring immediate care. This can lead to blindness within a day if not treated quickly.
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