If you think seeing an eye doctor is not as important as checking in with your family doctor for an annual physical exam, think again. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the vision of an estimated 11 million Americans could benefit from simply visiting the eye doctor for regular exams.

It's About Time (and Prevention)

No matter your age, as you get older your body changes and your eyes are no exception. 

According to WebMD, you should get an eye exam every year, especially if you have an existing condition or a family history of health issues that may adversely impact your eye health, such as hypertension and diabetes. Having an annual appointment with your optometrist for an eye exam is a great way to not only keep up with your eye health, but also to decrease your chances for eye disease. It is no secret that most serious eye conditions, may be treated, and sometimes prevented, when detected early. Some eye conditions, including diabetic retinopathy, do not offer any symptoms until it's too late and can result in blindness. 

It's All A Blur

Gradual or sudden changes to your vision can indicate that it is time to see an optometrist. Whether you experience momentary episodes of blurred vision or have noticed it's becoming increasingly difficult to read a newspaper or your e-reader at a full arm's length, your vision has likely changed. Other common issues associated with vision changes can include double vision, floaters, and a decrease in the brightness and definition of colors and objects. All such symptoms may be indicative of a range of conditions from common near- or farsightedness to more serious issues, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and cataracts.

It's A Pain

Your eyes, in their healthy, natural state, should not hurt. When your eyes become dry, achy, or irritated, you may be inclined to dismiss it as signs of tiredness, overwork, or stress. But when the irritation and discomfort doesn't go away, you should probably get checked by an optometrist.

Frequent headaches are another common red flag that your vision may need to be evaluated.  If you already wear contacts or glasses on a regular basis, suddenly developing frequent headaches may be a sign that your prescription has changed. 

Eye pain that is not related to trauma or a known injury can be indicative of a range of issues, including a corneal abrasion or sty. Other common eye problems that can trigger discomfort include allergies, chronic dry eye, and even more serious infectious conditions, like pink eye. For more information, contact Ashworth Vision Clinic.