When we are unwell our first reaction is usually to call a doctor. When our teeth are painful, we book an appointment with the dentist. However, when it comes to our vision, many people tend to delay or completely overlook booking an eye test.
As a general rule you should have an eye test at least once every two years. That said, there are certain signs and symptoms that may indicate you need an eye test much sooner.
One of the clearest signs you may need an eye test is difficulty reading a book, using your phone or reading road signs in the distance.
Below are some common signs to look out for that suggest it may be time to book an eye test with your optician:
How Do I know If I Need An Eye Test?
There are several signs that may indicate you need an eye test. These can include blurred vision, difficulty seeing at night, frequent headaches, eye strain, squinting or problems focusing on objects close up or in the distance.
Some symptoms may simply mean that your glasses prescription needs updating, while others can be linked to an underlying eye condition. An eye test allows your optician to check both your vision and the health of your eyes.
1. Screwing Your Eyes
Screwing your eyes up can temporarily reduce blur at the back of the eye giving slightly clearer vision. If you find yourself doing this often, it may be a sign of short-sightedness or long-sightedness and an indication that you need an eye test.
If you regularly find yourself screwing your eyes up to read signs, watch television or see objects clearly in the distance, it is worth having your eyesight checked.
2. Blurry Vision
If reading a book, newspaper or magazine has become fuzzy, you may be developing long-sightedness or presbyopia. Difficulty seeing objects at a distance can indicate short-sightedness. If both near and distance vision are affected, this could be due to astigmatism, which involves the curvature of the cornea or lens.
3. Difficulty Seeing at Night
Struggling to see clearly at night or experiencing glare from headlights may be a sign that you need glasses. Poor night vision can also be associated with cataracts where the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy.
You may notice that road signs or markings are harder to see, or that headlights from oncoming cars appear particularly bright or dazzling.
Poor night vision can also be associated with eye conditions such as cataracts, where the lens inside the eye becomes cloudy. An eye test can help determine whether your night vision problems are related to your prescription or something else.
4. Eye Strain Working with Computers
Spending long periods working on computers or digital screens can lead to eye strain, tired eyes and difficulty focusing.
If your eyes become uncomfortable, your vision becomes blurry or you develop headaches after spending time looking at a screen, it may be worth having an eye test.
In some cases, you may benefit from glasses specifically designed for screen use. Digital screens display characters display differently to printed text, often requiring the eyes to work harder to maintain focus.
5. Frequent Headaches
Recurring headaches, particularly after reading, using your phone or working on a computer, can sometimes be linked to vision problems.
When your eyes have to work harder to focus, this can contribute to eye strain and discomfort. An outdated glasses prescription can also make it more difficult for your eyes to focus comfortably.
Some people who suffer from migraines may also benefit from tinted or photochromic lenses. If you are experiencing frequent or unexplained headaches, an eye test can help determine whether your vision could be contributing to the problem.
6. Double Vision
Experiencing double vision should not be ignored. Double vision means seeing two images of the same object instead of one and can have a number of possible causes.
It can be related to problems with the eye muscles, nerves or other parts of the visual system. It can also sometimes be associated with conditions affecting the eye itself.
An eye test can help identify whether there is a problem with your vision and whether you need further investigation.
7. Sensitivity to Light
If you notice increased sensitivity to light, it is important to book an eye test.
Light sensitivity can be linked to a number of causes such as eye infections, inflammation or other underlying eye conditions.
You may notice that bright sunlight, headlights or indoor lighting feels more uncomfortable than it used to. An eye test can help your optician assess your symptoms and check the health of your eyes.
8. Seeing Halos Around Lights
Seeing halos around light sources such as streetlights or car headlights can be a sign that you need an eye test.
Halos can sometimes be associated with problems such as cataracts or changes in the way light enters the eye. They can also occur for other reasons, so it is important not to assume that there is one particular cause.
If you regularly notice halos around lights, particularly if this is a new symptom, an eye test can help identify the cause.
9. Difficulty Adjusting from Dark to Light
If your eyes take longer than usual to adjust when moving from a dark environment to a bright one, it may be a sign that your vision has changed.
You may notice this when entering a brightly lit room after being outside in the dark, or when moving between different levels of light.
Difficulty adjusting to changes in light can have a number of possible causes, including normal changes to your eyes as you get older. An eye test can help determine whether you need corrective lenses or whether further investigation is needed.
When Should You Have An Eye Test?
You should not wait for your eyesight to become noticeably worse before having an eye test.
As a general rule, adults should have their eyes tested at least every two years. However, your optician may recommend more frequent eye tests depending on your age, eye health, family history or other risk factors.
You should also arrange an eye test sooner if you notice a change in your vision or develop any of the symptoms mentioned above.
When Should You Seek Urgent Help?
Some changes in your vision should not wait for a routine eye test.
If you experience sudden loss of vision, sudden double vision, flashes and floaters accompanied by a loss of vision, severe eye pain or other sudden changes in your eyesight, seek urgent medical advice.
If you are unsure how quickly you need to be seen, contact an optician, NHS service or other appropriate healthcare professional for advice.
We offer professional home eye tests providing thorough eye care without the need to visit a high street optician. Contact us today to book your eye test at a time that suits you.
Eye Test FAQs
How do I know if I need an eye test?
Common signs that you may need an eye test include blurry vision, squinting, difficulty seeing at night, frequent headaches, eye strain, light sensitivity and difficulty focusing between near and distant objects.
How often should I have an eye test?
As a general rule, you should have an eye test at least once every two years. Your optician may recommend more frequent tests depending on your individual circumstances and eye health.
Can headaches mean I need an eye test?
Frequent headaches can sometimes be linked to problems with your vision, particularly if they occur after reading, using a computer or concentrating for long periods. An eye test can help determine whether your eyesight could be contributing to your headaches.
Can an eye test detect eye problems?
Yes. An eye test does more than check whether you need glasses. Your optician will also assess the health of your eyes and can identify signs that may require further investigation or referral.