Eyes are complex organs that make it possible to see the world around us. Due to this complexity, slight changes in ocular health could negatively impact your vision. That’s why it’s best to visit a specialist for a comprehensive eye exam at the first sign of trouble. To determine the appropriate time to seek professional care, look out for the following issues.

5 Reasons You Should Schedule an Eye Exam  

1. You Squint Often

When exposed to bright lights or sunshine, squinting to shield your eyes is a natural response. However, if you’re squinting to improve your sight, you may have a vision problem. This behavior is common among individuals with nearsightedness or astigmatism, as squinting limits the amount of light the eye receives to decrease blurriness.

2. You Move to See Better

When you have decent vision, you should be able to see items up close and far away without having to make adjustments. If you find yourself moving to see things clearly, you may need prescription lenses to correct issues with sight. For example, people with farsightedness will often hold menus far away from their faces, while those with nearsightedness may sit closer to the TV.

3. You Have Frequent Headaches  

Headaches can arise for many reasons, but if you’re experiencing frequent pain in your forehead or eye area, it could indicate a vision problem. Vision-related headaches occur when you have to focus to see objects, which places stress on eye muscles.

4. You Keep Seeing Floaters

Tiny spots in your field of vision—often referred to as floaters—may point to an emergency issue, such as a retinal tear. They may also arise due to aging or diabetic retinopathy—a condition in which high blood sugar damages blood vessels and leads to vision loss. Whatever the cause, an eye exam will protect your sight through preventive action.

5. You Haven’t Seen an Eye Doctor in Years  

In many cases, changes in vision are gradual and may be hard to notice on your own. That’s why it’s critical to visit an optician every one to two years for a comprehensive vision examination. Using specialized tools and testing procedures, these providers spot problems early on and provide effective solutions to minimize issues with sight.

If you’re experiencing unusual changes in vision, turn to Dr. L. R. Gabe. As a trusted optician in Show Low, AZ, he aims to make eye exams as stress-free as possible. Dr. Gabe provides testing to accurately diagnose eye conditions and determine the best course of treatment. Visit this optometry office online to learn more about the comprehensive services they offer to patients of all ages. To schedule a convenient vision examination, call (928) 537-5565.