Signs you need an eyesight test sooner than you think
Many people believe they only need an eyesight test when their vision becomes noticeably blurry. But in reality, changes in your eye health can be subtle—and waiting too long could lead to more serious problems.
Eyesight tests are not just for updating your glasses or contact lenses; they’re an important part of preventive healthcare. In this blog, we’ll explore the key warning signs that indicate you may need an eye exam sooner than you think.
- Frequent headaches
- Difficulty seeing at night.
- Blurred or Double vision.
- Squinting frequently
- Eye fatigue or discomfort.
- Seeing halos or glare.
- Frequent changes in vision.
- Difficulty focusing on close or distant objects.
- Trouble reading or doing up-close work.
- You haven’t had an eye test in over a year.
1. Frequent headaches
If you’re experiencing regular headaches, especially after reading or using digital devices, it might be due to eye strain or uncorrected vision problems. A routine eyesight test can help identify whether refractive errors (like myopia or hyperopia) are contributing to your discomfort.
2. Difficulty seeing at night
Struggling to drive or see clearly at night is often one of the earliest signs of deteriorating vision. It could point to conditions like night myopia, cataracts, or vitamin deficiencies. A vision test can determine the cause and guide treatment.
3. Blurred or Double vision
Any sudden or persistent blurring or doubling of vision should be addressed immediately. These symptoms may indicate:
- Refractive errors (nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism)
- Eye muscle issues
- More serious conditions like corneal damage or neurological problems.
4. Squinting frequently
Do you find yourself squinting to read signs or screens? This is a classic sign of vision strain and may suggest that your current prescription is outdated—or that you need one in the first place.
5. Eye fatigue or discomfort
Feeling tired eyes after reading, working on a computer, or watching TV for extended periods? This might be more than just screen fatigue. Persistent eye fatigue can indicate underlying vision issues like astigmatism or presbyopia.
6. Seeing halos or glare
Noticing halos around lights or increased sensitivity to glare can be a symptom of:
- Cataracts
- Dry eye
- Corneal swelling
It’s important to get your eyes checked if these signs are affecting your vision, especially while driving at night.
7. Frequent changes in vision
If your prescription changes often, it could indicate progressive eye conditions like keratoconus or even early signs of diabetes-related eye issues. A comprehensive eye exam can detect underlying causes.
8. Difficulty focusing on close or distant objects
This could mean you’re developing:
- Presbyopia (age-related near vision difficulty)
- Myopia (nearsightedness)
- Hyperopia (farsightedness)
Early detection through testing can help correct the issue and reduce strain.
9. Trouble reading or doing up-close work
If you find yourself holding books or your phone farther away, or need more light than usual to read, it might be time for a vision assessment. These are classic signs of aging-related vision changes.
10. You haven’t had an eye test in over a year
Even if you’re not experiencing any symptoms, you should get your eyes checked at least once every year—especially if you:
- Wear glasses or contact lenses.
- Have a family history of eye disease.
- Are over 40 years old.
- Have diabetes or high blood pressure.
Conclusion
Your eyes often send subtle signals when something isn’t right. Ignoring these signs can lead to worsening vision or late detection of serious eye conditions.
If you’ve noticed any of the symptoms listed above, don’t wait—schedule an eyesight test with a qualified eye specialist.
At Krisha Eye Hospital in Ahmedabad, we offer advanced and comprehensive eye testing services to help you protect your vision and detect any issues early.
Book your appointment today. Your eyes deserve expert care—don’t overlook the signs.
Author bio
Dr. Dhwani Maheshwari, an esteemed ophthalmologist with over 10 years of experience, leads Krisha Eye hospital in Ahmedabad with a commitment to advanced, patient-centered eye care. Specializing in cataract and refractive surgery, Dr. Maheshwari has performed more than a thousand successful surgeries. Her expertise lies in phacoemulsification, a technique recognized for its precision in cataract treatment.
Dr. Maheshwari’s educational journey includes an MBBS from Smt. NHL MMC, a DOMS from M & J Institute of Ophthalmology, and a DNB in Ophthalmology from Mahatme Eye Bank Eye Hospital, Nagpur. She also completed a fellowship in phacoemulsification at Porecha Blindness Trust Hospital, further enhancing her surgical skills. In addition to her work at Krisha Eye Hospital, Dr. Maheshwari serves as a consultant ophthalmologist at Northstar Diagnostic Centre.
Under her leadership, Krisha Eye Hospital aims to bring all superspecialties under one roof, offering comprehensive eye care solutions for all vision needs.
FAQs
If you’re experiencing symptoms like blurred vision, frequent headaches, or difficulty seeing at night, it’s time to schedule an eye exam—even if it seems minor.
Most adults should have an eyesight test once every 12–24 months. If you wear glasses, are over 40, or have health conditions like diabetes, you may need more frequent checkups.
Yes. If your child squints, sits too close to the screen, or complains of headaches, these could be signs of vision issues that need checking.
Yes. Undiagnosed vision problems can cause eye strain, leading to headaches, fatigue, or difficulty focusing—especially after screen use or reading.
Not necessarily. Many vision problems can be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or treatments if caught early. That’s why routine tests are so important.
Yes. Vision changes can happen at any age due to screen strain, aging, health issues like diabetes or high blood pressure, or simply due to changes in the shape of your eye over time. Regular testing helps catch these changes early.
Yes. Chronic dryness or excessive tearing may indicate more than just irritation—they can be early signs of dry eye syndrome, allergies, or other ocular surface issues. An eye test can help determine the cause and best treatment.
Definitely. Long hours of screen time can cause digital eye strain, blurred vision, or headaches. An annual eye exam is recommended for people who spend more than 4–6 hours a day on screens.
Sudden loss of vision, flashes of light, floaters, dark spots, or tunnel vision could be signs of conditions like retinal detachment, glaucoma, or macular degeneration. These require immediate attention.
Yes. Both conditions can lead to changes in the blood vessels of the eyes and affect vision—sometimes without early warning signs. Regular eye exams are crucial if you have these conditions.
Not always. Blurred vision can also result from eye infections, cataracts, retinal issues, or even neurological conditions. Only a comprehensive eye test can identify the true cause.
Yes. Eye tests can sometimes reveal signs of underlying health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, or even brain tumors—making them an important preventive health check.
Yes. Many eye conditions develop silently, without noticeable symptoms until damage has occurred. Annual eye exams are essential to catch issues early—even if your vision feels fine.
Absolutely. Children may not recognize or verbalize vision problems. Regular pediatric eye exams ensure proper visual development and early correction of issues like lazy eye or squinting.
No. While online tools may give a basic idea of your eyesight, they cannot replace a professional exam that checks eye health, pressure, and conditions like cataracts or retinal damage.