Eye exams allow your doctor to check the health of your eyes and monitor any changes. Knowing when you should schedule an exam is critical to maintaining your eye health. Use this guide to learn more about several instances when you should schedule an appointment with your eye doctor.

When Do You Need an Eye Exam?

1. Changes in Vision

Noticing increased blurriness, eye strain, or headaches when looking at things close up or far away could indicate that you need eyewear to correct your vision.

Issues like light sensitivity, distortion, or flashes of light could be signs of conditions like retina damage and macular degeneration. Your doctor can check for and treat these and other problems during your exam.

2. Out-of-Date Prescription

Your vision can change and weaken over time, so regular exams are needed to ensure your glasses or contact prescription stays up to date.

Your eye doctor will advise you on how often your prescription should be reviewed based on your eyesight and any health conditions. For most people, prescription renewal should occur every year or two.

3. Redness, Pain, or Swelling

Physical discomfort and changes in the appearance of one or both eyes shouldn’t be ignored. Redness, tenderness, and swelling can signal an infection or scratch, while sudden severe pain accompanied by nausea can be caused by angle-closure glaucoma, which requires immediate attention. If left untreated, eye conditions can cause permanent vision loss or damage.

4. Related Health Conditions

Many health conditions can impact your vision. If you have a new diagnosis of a condition that affects eye health — such as diabetes, which can cause diabetic retinopathy — schedule an exam with your eye doctor so they can check for damage. Conditions like autoimmune diseases and rosacea can also affect the eyes.

If you’re overdue for an eye exam, contact Dr. Thomas Deluca, Dr. Anthony Marciano & Associates in Prospect, CT. Their eye care services include exams, glasses and contact lens prescriptions, testing and treatment for ocular diseases, and care for eye emergencies. Learn more about the clinic online and call (203) 758-4447 to schedule an appointment.