You visit your doctor and dentist annually for routine checkups and cleanings. However, you often neglect to see your optometrist because your vision is strong and you are not experiencing any issues. However, an exam can go a long way in detecting any ailments early on and preventing certain conditions from worsening.
An optometrist will take a good look at your eyes to make sure they are free of any possible abnormalities or diseases. This includes glaucoma, cataracts, and other health issues like dry eyes or age-related conditions. Furthermore, undergoing a routine eye exam has numerous benefits.
No matter why you decide to see an optometrist, the recommendations will help you get things back on track.
Here are five signs that you need to need a new visit with your optometrist
Sign #1: You are unsure about the last time you had an eye exam
Do you remember the last time you visited an optometrist? If not, then you should schedule an appointment shortly. The problem is that many diseases are challenging to detect because they may not produce any symptoms. An examination can help see the problem early on before it exacerbates it. An early diagnosis is crucial for treating some of the diseases listed below:
- Cataracts
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Glaucoma
- Keratoconus
Sign #2: You are at risk for eye disease
Think about your family’s medical history. Do you have multiple family members who suffer from vision problems? If so, you may be more likely to develop eye disease. Genetic predispositions are not something we have control over. You should schedule an appointment if any of the following applies to you:
- You have diabetes
- You have a family history of eye disease
- You have a job that’s demanding on your eyes, such as working on a computer
- You recently had eye surgery
Sign #3: Your vision is getting progressively worse
Are you struggling to read wall markings and words printed in textbooks? If so, your vision is likely weakening, and you should see your optometrist. The good news is that you don’t have to feel alone in your struggles – over 150 million Americans have to use some form of corrective eyewear. Wearing glasses or contact lenses can prevent any potential eye strains, which will prevent you from getting headaches.
Sign #4: You suffer from allergies
Think about how allergies affect you. Do you often rub your eyes, causing them to become irritated? Itchiness, redness, and burning are all symptoms of an eye allergy, which can happen for multiple reasons, including:
- Outdoor allergens (trees, ragweed, grass)
- Indoor allergens (cat dander, dust, mould)
- Irritants, such as perfumes or smoke
Sign #5: Miscellaneous eye problems
Perhaps you have an intuition that you need an examination. There is nothing wrong with scheduling an appointment with your optometrist to ensure you’re not experiencing any vision or eye health issues.
Here are other reasons why you should schedule an eye exam:
- Double Vision
- Eye strain/ache
- Tiny speckles floating before your eyes
- Headaches
- Flashes of light
- Redness and irritation
- Pain
Remember that an experienced optometrist can also help you choose the right contact lens to improve your vision. Our optometrists will offer recommendations based on your condition. For example, a doctor will evaluate your cornea and pupil to determine which lens will work best for your eyes. They will also consider astigmatism, cataracts and other vision issues you suffer from. Regardless of whether you may benefit from scleral lenses, hybrid lenses or Ortho-K lenses, you can take comfort in the fact that our team of eye professionals will help you find the best option for you.
Keeping your eyes healthy at all times
As trusted eye care providers in Madrid, we service patients suffering from chronic eye issues. If it’s time for you to see an eye doctor, Centro Fernandez-Velazquez can help you to make your appointment. At Centro Fernandez-Velazquez, we have provided the best eye care services for many years in Madrid for the English-speaking community for more than 20 years. You can check our areas of speciality and qualifications here.
Call us today at 915 417 419 to schedule your first in-person consultation. If you need further information, you can contact our office here.
Dr. Fernando Fernandez-Velazquez was born in Madrid, and attended University of Madrid, where he majored in Optics. He then received his Doctor of Optometry degree at New England College of Optometry located in Boston, Massachusetts.
He continued his optometry education and completed a program with emphasis in Contact Lenses and Ocular Diseases at City University of London prior to becoming a member of the British College of Optometrists.
Fernando has also worked as an Optometrist in the Hospital Eye Service and has successfully supervised a number of student Optometrists through their pre-registration training.
