Keeping your eyes healthy is really important. But sometimes, you might not notice that your vision is getting worse. Your eyes don’t always tell you when something is wrong!
Here are eight signs that it’s time to get an eye test. If you notice any of these, book an appointment with an optician as soon as possible.
1. You struggle to see at night
Do you find it hard to see when it’s dark? Maybe street signs look blurry when you’re driving at night. Or perhaps you trip over things at home because you can’t see them properly.
This could be a sign of:
- 👉 Cataracts – a clouding of the eye’s lens that makes vision blurry.
- 👉 Night blindness – difficulty seeing in low light, sometimes caused by vitamin A deficiency or other eye problems.
If you’re squinting or struggling to see after sunset, an eye test can help find out what’s wrong.
2. You get headaches often
Do you get headaches after reading, using your phone, or working on a computer? This could mean your eyes are working too hard to focus.
Common causes include:
- 👉 Eye strain – when your eyes get tired from looking at screens or small text for too long.
- 👉 Astigmatism – a condition that makes objects look blurry, leading to headaches.
- 👉 Outdated glasses or contact lenses – if your prescription is wrong, your eyes have to work harder.
If you often have headaches, an eye test could give you the answer.
3. You find yourself squinting a lot
Do you squint to see things more clearly? Squinting helps sharpen vision for a short time, but doing it regularly means your eyes may need help.
This could be a sign of:
- 👉 Short-sightedness (myopia) – when distant objects appear blurry.
- 👉 Long-sightedness (hyperopia) – when close objects are hard to see.
- 👉 Astigmatism – which can make everything look blurry at any distance.
If you often squint at the TV or road signs, it’s time to check your eyes.
4. Your vision is blurry or double
If things look fuzzy or if you see two of everything, it’s time to check your eyes.
Blurred or double vision can happen because of:
- 👉 Refractive errors – such as nearsightedness (myopia) or farsightedness (hyperopia).
- 👉 Cataracts – making things look misty or cloudy.
- 👉 Serious health issues – in rare cases, double vision can be linked to nerve problems or diabetes.
If you’re struggling to read, recognise faces, or focus on things, don’t ignore it!
5. You see floaters or flashes of light
Do you notice tiny spots or flashes of light in your vision? Seeing a few floaters is normal, but a sudden increase could be a warning sign.
This might mean:
- 👉 Retinal detachment – a serious condition where the retina pulls away from the back of the eye.
- 👉 Vitreous detachment – when the gel inside your eye shrinks, which can cause flashes or floaters.
If you suddenly see a lot of floaters or flashing lights, visit an optician straight away.
6. Your eyes hurt or feel uncomfortable
Eye pain is never normal. If your eyes are sore, itchy, or red, something might be wrong.
Some possible reasons are:
- 👉 Dry eyes – when your eyes don’t make enough tears.
- 👉 Infections – like conjunctivitis (pink eye) that causes redness and swelling.
- 👉 Allergies – pollen, dust, or pet hair can irritate your eyes.
If your eyes feel sore often, it’s best to see an optician. They can check what’s causing the problem and help you find relief.
7. You are sensitive to light
Do bright lights make you uncomfortable? Light sensitivity, or photophobia, can be a sign of:
- 👉 Migraines – where bright light makes headaches worse.
- 👉 Eye infections – conditions like uveitis can make your eyes more sensitive.
- 👉 Corneal issues – problems with the front surface of your eye can make light painful.
If bright lights hurt your eyes, it’s best to get them checked.
8. You struggle to focus on near or far objects
Do you find it hard to read books up close? Or is it tricky to see road signs in the distance? If so, your eyesight may be changing.
This could be due to:
- 👉 Presbyopia – a common condition where reading small print becomes harder as you age.
- 👉 Myopia (short-sightedness) – when far-away things look blurry.
- 👉 Hyperopia (long-sightedness) – when close-up things seem unclear.
If you’re moving books further away to read them or squinting to see the TV, an eye test can help!
Why regular eye tests matter
Even if your vision seems fine, eye tests can catch problems early. They can also spot other health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Don’t wait until your eyesight gets worse. If you notice any of these signs, book an appointment with us today!
