When does that eye niggle cross over from ‘something that goes away on its own’ to ‘let’s get it checked out by an expert’? Your eyes are precious, and knowing when to seek professional care is essential for maintaining optimal eye health.
In this guide, we’ll explore common signs and symptoms that indicate the need for professional eye care, the importance of regular eye exams, and how we can support you in your journey to healthier vision.
How to recognise signs of eye trouble
Your eyes are incredibly resilient, but they’re also vulnerable to various conditions that can affect your vision and overall eye health. Knowing when to seek help from an optician can make all the difference in preserving your eyesight.
For example, some minor eye infections, such as conjunctivitis or styes – if caught early – can be treated at home or with advice from the chemist. Even with the best of hygiene intentions, you can still contract an eye infection. This can happen when harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites invade the eye or its surrounding tissues. Read more about recognising the signs of an eye infection as a contact lens user.
However, serious eye issues may come on more insidiously and need expert attention. Even seemingly minor symptoms can sometimes indicate more severe underlying issues. While it’s tempting to brush off occasional discomfort or changes in vision, seeking professional care from an optician is crucial, especially when symptoms persist or worsen. Consider these scenarios:
Frequent headaches and blurry vision
You’ve been experiencing frequent headaches and noticing that your vision seems blurrier than usual, especially when reading or using digital screens. These symptoms could indicate underlying issues such as refractive errors, eye strain, or even more serious conditions like glaucoma or cataracts.
Sudden eye pain
Imagine experiencing sudden, severe eye pain accompanied by redness and blurred vision. These symptoms could be indicative of serious conditions such as corneal ulcers, uveitis, or acute glaucoma.
Persistently dry eyes
You’ve been experiencing persistent dryness and irritation in your eyes, especially after spending long hours in front of a computer screen or in dry, air-conditioned environments. Despite using over-the-counter eye drops, the discomfort persists, and you find yourself blinking excessively to alleviate the gritty sensation in your eyes.
These symptoms may indicate a common condition known as dry eye syndrome, where your eyes struggle to produce an adequate amount of tears. Dry eyes can be caused by a variety of factors, including prolonged screen time, environmental conditions, certain medications, and underlying health conditions.
What to look out for
While some of these symptoms may seem like minor inconveniences, if left untreated, they can lead to complications such as corneal damage, increased risk of eye infections, and vision impairment.
Keep an eye out for common signs such as:
- blurred vision
- eye pain
- headaches
- sensitivity to light
- double vision
- redness
- irritation
- discharge
- pain
- swelling
- changes in vision clarity.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to consult with an optician as soon as possible.
Prioritise regular eye exams
Even if you aren’t experiencing any noticeable symptoms, regular eye exams are vital for maintaining overall eye health. Eye exams not only detect vision problems but also screen for eye diseases and conditions that may not present symptoms in their early stages.
The frequency of eye exams recommended varies depending on age, risk factors, and existing eye conditions. As a general guideline, adults should undergo comprehensive eye exams at least every two years, while individuals with existing eye conditions or risk factors may require more frequent monitoring.
Early detection is key in preventing and managing eye conditions such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. By detecting these issues early, opticians can intervene with timely treatment and management strategies to preserve your vision and prevent further deterioration.
Get a prescription before buying contact lenses online
If you require corrective lenses to improve your vision, it’s essential to wear lenses that are prescribed specifically for you by an optician. Wearing lenses with an incorrect prescription can lead to discomfort, eye strain, and potentially exacerbate underlying vision issues. Opticians play a crucial role in assessing your vision needs, prescribing the appropriate lenses, and ensuring your lenses fit comfortably.
At daysoft, we understand the importance of wearing lenses that meet your individual prescription needs. Our contact lenses are designed to provide exceptional comfort and clarity, allowing you to see the world with confidence. With daysoft, you can trust that your vision needs are in good hands, backed by our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction.
Always follow your eye health professional’s advice on which contact lenses are best for you. They’ll take a case history, do a general exam and consider your lifestyle. Based upon the clinical examination, the practitioner can pick out the optimum material and decide which type of lens fits best with your lifestyle.
Once you’ve had a thorough eye examination and correct fitting with your eyecare provider, you’re free to purchase your daily disposable contact lenses with us online. All you need is your prescription. We cut out the middle man, providing you with incredible-value, high-quality daily disposable contacts on a flexible subscription delivered straight to your door.
Put your eye health first
Your eyes are irreplaceable, and prioritising your eye health is essential for maintaining a high quality of life. Don’t hesitate to seek professional eye care if you experience any concerning symptoms or if it’s time for your routine eye exam. Remember, your optician is your partner in preserving your vision and ensuring the long-term health of your eyes.
At daysoft, we’re here to support you every step of the way on your journey to healthier vision. Whether you need information on eye care best practices, or top-quality contact lenses tailored to your prescription, we’re here to help. Email, call or check out our FAQs. Trust daysoft to be your partner in maintaining optimal eye health and seeing the world more clearly.
