Going to the eye doctor is something most people forget to do until they are experiencing something major. By this time your eyes might already have irreversible damage. Being proactive and visiting the optometrist before your eye issue is a big problem is a good idea. If you aren't sure when to go to the optometrist, read on for helpful tips.

You're Seeing Spots

If you're seeing spots or floaters in your vision, it's time to visit the optometrist. If you're feeling light-headed, you may see floaters, but if you're seeing them all the time, it could be a vision problem. Make an appointment right away with your optometrist for an exam and thorough checkup. Floaters can be a sign of worsening vision, astigmatism, or something else. Take care of the problem before it's too late to fix the problem.

You Can't Focus

If you aren't able to focus on an object that you normally would be able to see before, you could have an issue. If it was a sudden problem, you may have had something such as a stroke that affected your vision. If you don't have any other symptoms relating to a stroke or you just aren't sure, you can make an appointment with the optometrist, or you can go to the emergency room if you have other symptoms such as numbness in the face or one side of the body.

You Have Daily Headaches

Headaches can be a cause of worsening vision. If you are experiencing headaches daily, it may be due to your eyes. Stress can also cause this problem, but stressing your eyes to see properly can also be the cause. Visit the optometrist for an eye exam to be sure your vision isn't the cause of the problem. You may need eyeglasses or need an improved prescription for your existing eyeglasses or contacts. Other tips to help with your headaches or vision includes adjusting your screen when using the computer or another screen device. Adjust the brightness, adjust the screen to reduce glare, and adjust your position so you can see better.

You Have Discharge, Redness, Or Swelling

If you have redness, swelling, or discharge from one or both eyes, you may an eye infection or some other type of eye disorder. Don't allow this to just run it's course, as it could affect your vision permanently. Get to the optometrist for a thorough exam and for any treatment as needed.

If you aren't sure when to go to the optometrist for an exam, use the tips above to help guide you. Anytime you notice anything with your vision or with your eyes, you should make an appointment for an eye exam.

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