Health Content // 5 Signs You’re Due for an Eye Test*

Having regular eye checkups is a vital part of caring for the health and wellbeing of you and your family. Just like visiting your dentist for a checkup or discussing an ailment with your doctor, going for an eye test can play an important role in keeping you healthy.

Eye tests are usually fairly quick and hassle-free, and during the exam, your optician will be able to tell you if you need help correcting your vision, or if any changes need to be made to your existing prescription. Whether you choose to opt for a pair of glasses or you’d prefer contact lenses, there are ways to help solve your eyesight problems. What’s more, there are a whole host of spectacle designs to choose from and you can find cheap contacts online, so while your vision might not be perfect, you don’t necessarily have to compromise on style or splash a lot of cash to improve it.

If it’s been awhile since you checked in with your optician, here are four telltale signs you’re due an appointment.

1. Your vision is blurry
Blurry vision can indicate that you need corrective lenses and it can also be a symptom of a serious condition, such as a disease like glaucoma, or other health problems including diabetes, stroke and migraines. Whether your blurred vision occurs intermittently, regularly, or even if it’s limited to one eye, this is a problem that shouldn’t be left untreated, so you should book yourself an eye exam as soon as possible.

2. Your eyes are sore
Tiredness, allergies and illnesses such as colds or the flu are often to blame for sore eyes. But if the pain lasts for longer than a few days, you might want to seek help from your optician. If your eyes are irritated, hurting or aching, this could be an indication that your eyesight has changed, or it may be a sign of more serious health issue. Scheduling yourself an eye test will help keep your eyes healthy and it could help determine whether you need glasses or contacts, or a stronger prescription if you already have these.

3. You’re experiencing frequent headaches
While it’s perfectly normal to suffer from a slight headache from time to time, if you start to experience them more frequently, your eyesight could be the problem. Alterations to your vision are usually slow and they can be so gradual that you may not even realise at first. However, experiencing headaches can be an early sign that your vision is changing. If you notice that you’re getting a sore head more than normal, you may want to consider getting your eyes checked.

4. You can’t remember when you last had one
If you can’t remember the last time you had an eye test, it’s likely you’re overdue a visit to the optician. Ideally, you should have an eye test at least every two years. Having your peepers checked regularly is crucial if you want to maintain healthy eyes and vision.

The truth is, your eyesight is important, so if you find you’re experience one or more of these symptoms, it might be the ideal time to schedule a slot with your optician.