Your eyes are key in informing you when something is not okay. Sadly, eyes are vulnerable to conditions and illnesses that can hugely impact your everyday life, so appropriate care is vital. Most people believe maintaining proper eye health simply entails routine trips to the optician for eye checks or an upgrade or prescription glasses. Although this is a great practice, opticians do not have the skills to deal with complex eye conditions. Early detection can significantly enhance the likelihood of treatment success, so visits to a new smyrna beach fl ophthalmologist are important. Read on to discover the common reasons to arrange a consultation.
- Changes In Vision
Vision issues can indicate various things, ranging from severe eye illness to the need for a simple prescription update. Sudden blurry vision could be a warning sign of retinal illness, macular degeneration, and cataracts, and new floaters might signify retinal detachment. Such symptoms might mean that you require new eye drops, or that surgery is necessary. Only an ophthalmologist can accurately diagnose your concerns to determine the best course of action.
- You Have Excessive Irritation
Both eye redness and dryness are prevalent symptoms that can signify uncommon issues. If you experience eye dryness at night, or your eyes suddenly become red, over-the-counter solutions like eye drops can help. However, if these eye drops do not offer relief, you should visit an ophthalmologist. In severe cases, excessive eye dryness can result in corneal scratching and sometimes lead to permanent vision damage.
- You Experience Eye Pain Or Pressure
Prolonged discomfort is generally a bad sign for your eye health. Something as mild as the pressure in the eyes, which is commonly associated with sinus pressure, could be a warning sign of advancing glaucoma. Therefore, if you are experiencing eye pressure, discomfort, or headaches, you should visit an ophthalmologist immediately.
- You Want A Diagnosis for Associated Health Issues
Problems with your vision or eyes could be directly connected to other health issues like hypertension, autoimmune disorders, diabetes, Lyme disease, and skin conditions like rosacea. However, only a skilled ophthalmologist can fully assess the severity of the issue.
Ophthalmologists are also experienced in looking for signs of other health complications. Therefore, regular eye exams with an ophthalmologist can help unearth more than simply vision issues. Arrange your eye exams around the same time as your overall health check to obtain a comprehensive outlook on your health.
- You Have A Family History of Eye Conditions
If you got a family history of eye conditions, it is crucial to attend regular eye exams. Numerous eye concerns, like glaucoma, are hereditary. Thus, if your parent, sibling, or another close relative suffers from the condition, you will also develop it. However, by visiting an ophthalmologist, you can take a proactive approach toward your eye health, ensuring that any issues are identified early on.
Eye diseases are often hard to catch without regular check-ins with your ophthalmologist. The signs and symptoms of serious conditions can be minor irritations and inconveniences. Thus, most people wait to see their eye doctor and only seek care once the issue has advanced. If you have been wondering when to visit an ophthalmologist, chances are it might be sooner than later. Whether you have issues with your vision, experiencing eye discomfort, irritation, or other associated concerns, your ophthalmologist can ensure you receive proper care.