With packed schedules and busy days, it’s sometimes easy to forget about taking care of your vision. However, you should get an eye exam at least once per year and more frequently if you have a condition like cataracts or glaucoma. In some cases, your eyes will also tell you when they need an optometrist’s attention as soon as possible.

How to Tell When You Need an Eye Exam

1. Eye Pain or Headaches

Any sort of eye pain is something you should get checked by your optometrist right away. It could indicate an infection that needs medication or an early sign of a more serious eye issue, such as cataracts. Headaches are also a telltale symptom of eyestrain, whether from looking at screens too frequently or not having an updated prescription. A doctor will determine the source of your discomfort and treat it accordingly.

2. Frequent Squinting

If you're squinting frequently, your current glasses or contact prescription may not be up-to-date. Squinting is a temporary vision solution, but can cause your eyesight to worsen if left untreated. As a general rule of thumb, people should check their vision about once a year to ensure prescriptions are correct.

3. Changes in Vision

A shift in vision goes beyond squinting and a prescription change—get your eyes checked if you see floaters, flashes of flights, or spots. These could be an early sign of retinal detachment. Early detection gives your eye doctor more time to treat the issue and prevent vision loss.

If you experience one of these signs or are due for an annual eye exam, visit the team at Colorado River Eye Care. For more than 30 years, their team has provided premier eye care to the Bullhead City, AZ, community. Following your appointment, they can create custom lenses in-house or offer designer frames if they determine you need glasses or a prescription change. Browse their website today to learn how their team will help you, and call (928) 758-2020 to set up your first visit.