If you're like most people, you may get an eye exam once every two years. If you're like some people, you've never had your eyes examined. The fact is that many people assume that if they're not having problems with their vision, they don't need to have an eye exam. That's not actually the truth. There are many reasons why you should have your eyes examined, even if you think you have good vision. Here are just some of the reasons why you need to have an eye exam as soon as possible.
You're Pregnant
If you're pregnant, now's a good time to have an eye exam. You might not know this, but pregnancy can cause significant vision changes. If you retain water during your pregnancy, which is common, fluid can build up in your eyes. Not only that, but you can also develop dry eyes during your pregnancy. If you suffer from high blood pressure or preeclampsia during pregnancy, your vision can also be affected. One way to protect your vision during your pregnancy is to schedule an eye exam.
You've Noticed Eye Changes
If you schedule an eye exam when you notice changes in your vision, you're taking a good step towards protecting your eyes. But, some eye changes don't necessarily affect your vision. That doesn't mean you shouldn't have your eyes examined. You should actually have an eye exam whenever you notice changes with your eyes. Some of those changes include recurring redness, bulging, or changes in the color of your cornea. If you've noticed any type of eye change, you need to have an eye exam as soon as possible.
You're Experiencing Headaches
If you've been experiencing frequent headaches, the problem could be stemming from a vision problem. Not all headaches are caused by medical conditions. Some headaches are caused by vision changes. There are several vision problems that can lead to headaches. Those vision problems include astigmatism, presbyopia, and farsightedness. If you haven't had your eyes examined in a while, you might not know if you suffer from any of those vision conditions. The best way to identify vision-related headaches is to have your eyes examined.
You've Been Diagnosed With Diabetes
If you've recently been diagnosed with diabetes, you need to have your eyes examined immediately. Diabetes can cause serious vision problems. Two diabetic eye conditions include diabetic retinopathy and diabetic macular edema. Without proper treatment, those conditions can lead to permanent blindness. Routine eye exams will help your optometrist monitor any vision changes you experience.