Vision Problems: 6 Signs to Go to Optometry or Ophthalmology

When to Go to Optometry or Ophthalmology

A visit to optometry or ophthalmology annually—or every couple of years, depending on your specific case—is key to maintaining your eyes well cared for. No matter if you are not experiencing any symptoms or don’t have a previously diagnosed eye condition. These routine exams are key for early detection and treatment of vision problems. However, if you start experiencing any of the following symptoms, don’t wait for your next visit and try to come see us as soon as possible. At Be Well, our specialists in ophthalmology and optometry will provide comprehensive examination and guidance to maintain your eyes healthy.

1. Blurred or Distorted Vision

This is one of the most obvious signs of underlying vision problems. Changes in your vision that cause blurred or distorted vision are one of the most common symptoms of several sight conditions. Try to notice if you’re squinting more frequently to see—whether it is at a distance or up close—or if your peripheral or central vision is blurry.

2. Eye Discomfort

Other indicative that a visit to an optometry or ophthalmology specialist is due, is eye discomfort. This encompasses signs and symptoms like:

• Burning
• Itching
• Pain
• Swelling
• Fatigue
• Irritation
• Dry or watery eyes

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3. Vision Problems With Headaches

Another common symptom that often accompanies vision problems are headaches that can be frequent, especially after focusing your sight on a task for a while. If activities like reading or driving leave you feeling pain behind your eyes or in the temples, maybe it is time to go see an optometry or ophthalmology specialist.

4. Light Sensitivity

When bright light becomes uncomfortable, causing you to squint or to feel pain, that is light sensitivity. Normally, our eyes can deal with certain degrees of brightness, but when this is not the case for you, it might be a sign of a vision problem.

5. Floaters

If you see lines, dots, specks or webs that seem to be floating in your field of vision—when you look at the sky or something plain—those are floaters. In little amounts that come and go from time to time, they are risk-free. But if you see more than usual, go see an optometry or ophthalmology specialist as soon as possible.

6. Problems Seen at Night

As it happens with brightness, eyes can also handle certain levels of darkness, but when seeing at night becomes a challenge, that might be a sign of a vision problem. Pay attention if you notice that doing activities at night is more difficult than usual due to sight issues.

The Increased Prevalence of Vision Problems

Situations like an aging population, increased chronic diseases and digital eye strain are some of the reasons why we see vision problems more frequently nowadays. Circumstances such as these can cause conditions like presbyopia, dry eye, glaucoma and myopia, to name a few. In the United States, around 7 million people have vision impairment. Including problems that could have been prevented with visits to optometry or ophthalmology at the right time. Because of this, these healthcare services are crucial for prevention and early treatment and to maintain sight problems under control.

Common Vision Problems Treated by Optometry

Optometry specialists are like primary care providers for the eyes, because they can diagnose and treat common vision problems and diseases. Some issues that can be handled by an optometrist include:

• Myopia
• Hypermetropia
• Astigmatism
• Presbyopia
• Dry eye syndrome
• Conjunctivitis

Common Sight Complications Treated by Ophthalmology

Ophthalmology specialists, in addition to treating common refractive errors, can also handle a wide range of sight conditions. Providing care that goes beyond routine exams, diagnosis and treatment—which includes surgery in some cases. Eye problems that can be addressed by an ophthalmologist include:

• Refractive errors: Myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism and presbyopia.
• Age-related conditions: Cataracts, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration.
• Chronic-related conditions: Dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, thyroid ophthalmopathy.
• Other eye-related complications: Retinal detachment, corneal conditions, eye trauma.

Address Your Vision Problems at Be Well

Experiencing sight conditions can encompass a series of eye conditions and complications that can go from refractive errors, to age-related, chronic conditions or even digital eye strain. To address these situations, the expert care of an optometry or ophthalmology specialist is necessary. At Be well Primary Care Health Center our experts can provide comprehensive and specialized attention to address your specific situation. Contact us to discover the reason behind your vision problems and treat them with our advanced approaches and the latest medical care technology.