Around 93 million American adults are at high risk of losing their sight. What makes the situation worse is that only around 50% saw an eye doctor in the last year. As much as we value our vision, it’s very easy to take it for granted. But with so many of us at risk of developing serious issues with our vision, you should never ignore the signs that something could be wrong. How can you tell if your problem is serious enough that you need to see an eye doctor in Lexington, KY?
Let’s take a look at 5 signs you need to head down to a Versailles eye clinic as soon as possible!
1. Family History of Eye Disease
There are around 350 eye diseases that could be put down to hereditary conditions. These include relatively common conditions such as:
- Glaucoma
- Macular degeneration (age-related)
- Cataracts
Everyone who has a family history of eye issues should schedule regular appointments. Their optometrist in Lexington, KY will keep a lookout for early signs of disease.
The problem is we may not be aware of these issues. The American Academy of Ophthalmology offers this suggestion. Next time you have a family get-together, ask around.
We also suggest putting the question on a family WhatsApp group if you have one. Explain the risk and that you want to know so that you can get yourself checked out. It might prompt other family members to check in with their Versailles optometrist as well!
2. Sudden Eye Pain
Eye pain – also called ophthalmalgia – is common and affects most people at some time in their lives. It could have a temporary cause that’s not serious, but it could also indicate that something troubling is going on.
For example, it’s common to get eye pain after a small injury. This could be caused by a foreign object getting temporarily lodged in the eye. The surface of the eye may get scratched or irritated and even infected.
Eye drops can help but it’s a good idea to get it checked out by an eye doctor if it’s troubling you.
More concerning is eye pain which causes the following types of pain:
- Eye ache
- Feeling of grittiness in the eye
- Sharp or stabbing pain
- Ongoing throbbing pain
If you experience changes in your vision or even vision loss, it’s a medical emergency. You need to call your Lexington eye care clinic for an urgent appointment and if they’re not available head for the emergency room.
If you have not suffered an eye injury, possible causes of eye pain include:
- Migraines and other types of headaches
- Glaucoma
- Optic neuritis
- Sinusitis
Your eye doctor will perform a thorough examination to find out exactly what’s causing the discomfort. They’ll recommend the best treatment for your condition.
3. ‘Curtain’ Coming Down
If one eye ever looks like the curtain just went down at the theatre, this is a serious issue. You may have a detached or torn retina.
Your retina is responsible for receiving and organizing the visual information that comes in through the front part of your eye. If a detached or torn retina is not treated quickly, you risk losing your sight in the affected eye.
Other symptoms include:
- Dots or floaters passing in front of your eye
- Seeing flashes of light
- Sudden blurry vision
- Shadow moving across your field of vision
This condition is more common as people get older but it can affect people of any age. You are also more likely to get it if someone in your family has already had it. Previous eye injuries can also increase the likelihood of developing this condition.
A small surgical procedure can repair the damage and restore your vision if you see an eye doctor in time. So don’t delay in getting down to your local Versailles eye clinic for diagnosis and treatment.
4. Sensitivity to Light
Mild sensitivity to light is something that many of us will experience at one time or another in our lives. It can be caused by eye strain from using screens for many hours, certain medications, and allergies. Headaches and migraines can also make us temporarily sensitive to light.
But if you’re wondering when to see an eye doctor, make an appointment when:
- Light sensitivity is becoming more regular
- It’s getting more severe
- It occurs suddenly with no obvious cause
They will look for signs of infections or inflammation. They’ll look for conditions such as:
- Keratitis
- Blepharitis
- Conjunctivitis
They’ll also check for signs of other more general illnesses, such as meningitis or encephalitis. Both of these conditions can cause sensitivity to light. In some cases, it can also be a sign of retinal tears and detachment.
5. Everyday Life Difficulties
Do you notice that you or a loved one is just finding everyday tasks a bit more difficult? Have you noticed that you are:
- Bumping into things more regularly
- Squinting or struggling to focus
- Finding it hard to recognize people
- Struggling to get food onto your fork
These could be indicators that your vision has changed and you need glasses or need to change your glasses. As we age, our vision naturally changes.
It’s important to schedule regular visits with your optometrist in Lexington, KY. They’ll make sure that you’ve always got the right corrective lenses.
Kentucky Eye Institute – Your Eye Doctor in Lexington, KY
If you’ve noticed changes in your vision, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with your eye doctor in Lexington, KY. If eye conditions are diagnosed early, it’s easier to treat them and treatments may be more successful. It’s also important for your peace of mind to know that your eyes are in good health.
At the Kentucky Eye Institute, we provide comprehensive eye care. We have 11 locations, including Lexington and Versailles. Our eye doctors have the training and experience to diagnose and treat any eye condition you may have.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment.