Correcting and Clarifying Your Vision: An Optometry Blog

Eye Trouble? Signs You Should See an Optometrist

by Troy Simmmons

Can you identify the signs of poor vision? Many people don't, and that's why they wait until it's too late to correct their vision problems. This post highlights two common symptoms that indicate you need to book an appointment with your optometrist.

Eye Fatigue

Eye fatigue, also known as visual fatigue, is a condition that can develop after spending extended periods looking at a screen or other digital device. You may find yourself squinting more than usual or rubbing your eyes frequently.

The symptoms of eye fatigue include headaches, blurry vision, dry eyes, neck pain and shoulder pain. Although it is not a serious condition, eye fatigue can be very disruptive to your daily life.

One of the most common culprits for eye fatigue is blue light exposure. Screens and digital devices often emit blue light. When you stare at a screen for too long, the blue light can cause your eyes to become strained and tired.

Another common cause of eye fatigue is dry eye syndrome. This condition occurs when your tears are unable to properly lubricate your eyes. As a result, your eyes can become irritated and inflamed.

If you are suffering from eye fatigue, see an optometrist for an eye exam. During the exam, the optometrist will be able to identify any underlying conditions that may be contributing to your eye fatigue. They will also be able to provide you with treatment options to help relieve your symptoms.

Trouble Seeing in Low Light or At Night

If you have difficulty seeing in low light or at night, that could be a sign of an underlying vision problem. Night blindness, or nyctalopia, is a condition that makes it difficult to see in dim or dark lighting.

Several conditions can cause night blindness, including cataracts and retinitis pigmentosa. Cataracts are a condition that causes the lenses of your eyes to become clouded. Retinitis pigmentosa is a rare genetic disorder that causes the deterioration of the retina.

If you experience night blindness, it's important to see an optometrist for an evaluation. Some of the key triggers can be dangerous if left untreated, so it's best to get a professional opinion.

During an eye exam, the optometrist will ask you about your symptoms and conduct a series of tests to determine the cause of your night blindness.

Once the optometrist identifies the underlying condition, they will be able to provide you with specific treatment options. For instance, if your issue is cataracts, you may need surgery to remove the clouded lenses.

For more information, contact an optometrist near you.

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