Most Australians give little thought to their vision until something goes wrong. Yet as the sense which we rely upon the most, it is something we should really be doing our best to take care of. One important way we can do that is to see an optometrist as soon as there are signs that it’s time.
This is important because optometrists not only help diagnose eye problems and improve your vision. Our sight is intricately linked to our overall health, so keeping a regular appointment with your optometrist can help you spot the symptoms of underlying health problems that your doctor might miss.
This article covers the signs you should know which indicate that it’s time to see an optometrist . It also offers some advice on finding a good one near you.
Signs that you should see an eye doctor
Eye health is very closely linked to quality of life, and it is not something that we should leave to chance. If you see any of the following signs, then it’s time to visit an optometrist.
It’s been more than two years since you last saw one
How often you should visit an optometrist for a routine eye exam depends on your age and whether you have been diagnosed with any existing eye problems. For healthy adults under 65 years of age with no existing conditions, the time between visits should not exceed two years.
If you already have vision problems or certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, then you should increase the frequency to once per year. You should also do this if you are over 65, since vision degeneration and eye diseases are more likely to happen with age.
Blurry vision
This is a common symptom of many eye conditions. This does not necessarily mean that something is seriously wrong, however you should still get it checked out as soon as possible just in case. Eye problems, like problems anywhere else in your body, are much easier to treat and have better outcomes when they are spotted early.
Double vision is another symptom of many eye problems and is cause for concern, as are watery eyes and abnormally large floaters.
Frequent headaches
All kinds of things can cause headaches and there is rarely any real cause for concern. The key word here is “frequent.” If you find yourself experiencing headaches every day or several times per week, or you have a persistent headache that you just can’t shake, then it’s time to see the optometrist. Your headaches may be caused by eyestrain, glaucoma, or other conditions.
You should also visit the optometrist if you are experiencing pain in or around your eyes.
How to find a great optometrist near you
In addition to knowing when to visit them, it is helpful to know what reputable optometrists are available in your area. These are the steps for locating a great eye care clinic near you.
1. Check out recommendations and reviews
When you’re looking for an optometrist in Cronulla or other suburbs and small towns, chances are there are not too many to choose from and that someone you know has visited one of them. In such places, recommendations from friends and family are very reliable.
If you can’t find anybody who can make a recommendation or you live in an area where there are many more choices, online reviews can be useful to narrow down the candidates. Try to focus on what people think on average about the practice rather than looking only at recent very good or bad reviews.
2. Look for range of services and the latest technology
It helps if your optometrist keeps up-to-date with the latest cutting-edge procedures, such as refractive lens exchange. You can usually find these things on their website. But don’t panic if they don’t offer all the latest treatments and exams. Just make sure they provide routine eye exams and treatments for any conditions you have.
3. Verify their qualifications
Australian optometrists should be certified by the Optometry Board of Australia, so make sure you can find their name there first. Often they will say on their website if they belong to any other professional organisations where you can look them up. If they do, this is often a good sign as these bodies tend to have a stricter code of conduct and higher expectations.
4. Trust your instincts
Once you’ve found a highly recommended, modern, and qualified optometrist, you should book an appointment for a consultation or routine eye exam. This will give you a chance to ask questions and assess things like the friendliness and professionalism of staff. Make sure you leave the clinic feeling comfortable with your choice.
Conclusion
Knowing the possible signs of eye problems is essential for getting them treated early. This gives you the best chance of preserving your vision and overall well-being. It also helps to know where you can get your eyes examined quickly and reliably. Following the steps above will make sure that you are prepared.
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