7 common signs that you need an eye test

Your eyes won’t let you know every time that something is wrong with them. This is why annual eye tests are important. It helps you detect any issues with your vision before they turn worse.

Although the NHS recommends getting your eyes checked every two years, if you feel that your vision has changed, do not let it go unchecked. Avail of the free eye test provided by the NHS and get your eyes checked by skilled opticians for free.

Many eye conditions don’t present with symptoms. But, your optician can detect the problem whether it is an eye condition such as a cataract or just a small refractive error.

Several signs tell you to go see an optician. Watch out for the following symptoms. In case you experience them, don’t hesitate to book an appointment with an optician.

Frequent headaches

If you’ve been experiencing frequent headaches, the underlying cause could be your eyes. Since our optic nerves connect the retina to the back of the brain, anything wrong with your eyes can lead to frequent and excruciating headaches.

Refractive errors such as myopia or hyperopia can make your eyes overwork when you are trying to see clearly. So, do get your eyes checked and wear glasses to correct the refraction.

Headaches can also ring in the possibility of glaucoma which occurs due to the building pressure inside your eyes. Your optician will recommend the right treatment for your particular vision problem.

Holding objects at an arm’s length

Have you ever felt the need to hold objects at distance to see them? You might have done it while reading a newspaper, book or maybe a restaurant menu card.

If yes, then you have presbyopia. It refers to the natural decline in the crystalline lens’s elasticity that makes your eye movements more rigid and you will struggle to see them close-up objects. In this case, all you need is a pair of good readers to focus on up close. You may as well buy reading glasses online for your prescribed magnification strength.

If you happen to notice blurred vision or poor visibility in low light conditions, make an appointment with an optician and know what’s wrong.

Your eyes are itchy and red

If your eyes are itchy or red for no reason, this could be a sign of different eye conditions. These symptoms are normal and could also occur after working on a digital device for too long.

However, eye infections such as conjunctivitis, glaucoma or dry eye syndrome may also turn your eyes red, dry and itchy.

If you are an avid digital user, wear blue light glasses to protect your eyes from damaging screen time effects. Blue light glasses are one of the most sold online glasses as they only have a protective lens coating and do not alter your vision.

Flashes or floaters in your vision

If you spot flashes of light or floaters in your vision, it is the right time to consult an optometrist. They are not common but if they aren’t getting worse or hampering your vision, you should not feel bothered.

However, if they appear suddenly or start to increase in numbers, booking an eye appointment is a smart idea. If it leaves your eyes with pain, you don’t need any other reason to visit an eye care professional. This problem is common in older people and is usually harmless and natural.

Double vision

Double vision occurs when you see two images for the same object. It is an indicator of a serious problem with your cornea or eye muscles. It is one of the symptoms of cataracts and if not treated by the right time, can lead to blindness as well.

Halos around objects

If you start to see halos around objects or lights, it could mean that you are developing threatening eye disorders such as cataracts or glaucoma. The halos are more pronounced in dim light conditions and ruin your night vision.

Troubles adjusting vision from dark to light

If it takes longer for your eyes to adjust from dark to light, the muscles in your eyes have weakened. Your iris is not able to contract which makes the adaption to different light conditions rather difficult.

If any of these problems have been blocking your vision, get an eye test in an instant. Your optician will examine your eyes and if he finds a refractive error, he will write you a prescription. You can either take it to your local optical store or get good-quality cheap glasses online and save some money. If you are a fan of fashion, you should check out the online stores’ frame options. They have the latest trends and styles in eyewear which will give you another reason to wear glasses and save your vision.

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