Our eyes can change as we age, and it is easy to dismiss subtle shifts in vision as just part of getting older. However, some changes can signal underlying issues that need attention.
At EyeCare Plus, we believe it is important to understand what different changes in your vision might mean and when it is time to see an eye doctor.
Common Vision Changes and What They Could Mean
Frequent Headaches
Frequent headaches, especially those that occur after reading or using a computer, could be related to uncorrected vision problems or eye strain. If you notice that headaches are becoming more common, especially around the eyes or forehead, it is worth scheduling an eye exam to see if vision issues are the cause.
Blurred Vision
Blurry vision can happen for many reasons, ranging from needing a new glasses prescription to more serious conditions like cataracts or diabetes-related eye problems. If you suddenly experience blurred vision, it is important to seek help quickly.
Blurred vision can be a sign of a refractive error (like nearsightedness or farsightedness), but it may also point to something more serious like macular degeneration or retinal detachment.
Double Vision
Double vision, also known as diplopia, can indicate issues with eye alignment, muscle weakness, or neurological conditions.
While conditions like cataracts may also cause it, double vision should be investigated immediately, as it can sometimes be a sign of a more serious underlying health issue.
Frequent Squinting
Squinting is often a subconscious response to blurry vision. It temporarily improves focus, but if you are squinting frequently, especially when looking at distant objects or while reading, it is a sign that your eyes are struggling to see clearly.
Difficulty Seeing at Night
Finding it harder to see in dim light or at night could be an early sign of cataracts or a vitamin A deficiency. This is often a gradual change, but it can become dangerous when driving at night. Night vision issues may also suggest problems with the retina, so it is important to address them with your eye doctor.
Eye Pain or Discomfort
Experiencing ongoing eye pain or discomfort isn’t normal and should be addressed promptly. Eye pain can be caused by dry eye syndrome, infections, or other serious conditions like glaucoma. It is best not to delay seeking medical attention if you experience persistent pain in your eyes.
Gradual Loss of Peripheral Vision
A slow loss of peripheral vision, where your field of view begins to narrow, could be a sign of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition that affects the optic nerve and can cause irreversible vision loss if not treated early.
Regular eye exams are key to catching glaucoma in its initial stages before it progresses.
When to Seek Help
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek help from an eye care professional. Some vision changes are normal as we age, but others can indicate serious conditions that require treatment.
Early detection and intervention can often prevent more significant issues, and regular eye exams are the best way to ensure your eyes stay healthy.
At EyeCare Plus, we offer comprehensive eye exams to assess your vision and overall eye health. Whether you are dealing with subtle vision changes or experiencing more concerning symptoms, we are here to help you take control of your eye health.