Is your eyesight deteriorating? It sounds like an easy question but it might be hard to tell. How can you tell if you can’t see as well as you could before? The changes happen gradually and maybe over a number of years.
You might have nothing to compare your eyesight to other than your memory. But there are some sure ways you can decide for yourself if you need an eye test.
Eye health screening can help detect some serious eye problems before they cause permanent damage. It’s a good idea to keep your eyes healthy and protect them by visiting the optometrist at least every two years.
Here’s everything you need to know about when you might need to take an eye test to improve your vision.
1. You Can’t Read
If you’re having trouble reading basic materials, then that is a sure sign you need to consider an eye test.
If you find yourself having to hold books or newspapers closer to your eyes then before just to read what’s on the page, you’re probably struggling with your vision. Perhaps you enjoy watching television shows or films with the subtitles on and you find yourself pulling your sofa closer to the screen or adjusting the position of your television.
We all have off-days and it could be that you are just tired.
Try testing yourself. Move the newspaper or book further away from your eyes and try to judge how close you need it. If it looks unusual and you consistently need to bring your reading material closer, then you might need an eye test going forward.
2. You Have Peremenant Migraines
Migraines are the worst. They can be caused by all kinds of factors such as not drinking enough water or staring at a computer screen for long hours. But they can also be caused by poor eyesight.
Sometimes migraines are so painful that you can do nothing to get rid of them other than to go to bed and to take paracetamol or aspirin in the hope that you have a better day in the morning.
One of the key reasons for migraines is eye strain. You strain your eyes if you look at something for too long or you don’t acknowledge that you have eye problems that need looking into.
In the first instance, go and see a doctor if they occur regularly and they might suggest a number of remedies including taking an eye test or even having a brain scan.
An eye test might uncover other medical conditions you’re suffering from. Did you know, for example, an eye test can even predict Alzheimer’s and other onset diseases?
3. You Are Involved in Accidents While Walking
We’ve all seen those funny videos of people waking into lamposts but if this is you, it’s no joke. You could seriously hurt yourself and it can lead to some embarrassing situations where people assume you are clumsy or stupid.
But there might be a wider problem. Your eyesight might have deteriorated and you might not even know it. Even when you are being careful, you might still find yourself bumping into objects or people.
The solution to this, if it happens regularly, is to go and take an eye test. Ignore people who simply tell you to be more careful or accuse you of being clumsy. You might have a serious problem that needs addressing.
4. You Frequently End up in Sticky Situations or Close Shaves With Your Car
Do you enjoy driving? If you live in America, it’s probably a good idea for you to drive everywhere as public transport is limited and taxis or Ubers are expensive.
But are you nearly ending up in accidents on a frequent basis? Maybe you feel you are paying attention to the road but despite your best efforts, you are misjudging the distance of the cars in front of you or other obstructions.
It can be incredibly frightening as you might have come close to killing other people or killing yourself. The road rage of other drivers, when you make a mistake, can also be overwhelming and lead you to lose your confidence on the road.
But don’t despair. Try to evaluate what the issue is. Are you tired? Do you need to take a refresher course for your driving? Or is the problem your eyesight? Be sure to go and get a test to check.
If your eyesight is the problem, then you may well have to get a pair of glasses for driving to help you.
5. You Need New Glasses
Do you find yourself with broken glasses or glasses that you suspect are not working for you? Remember that picking up a pair of glasses in a supermarket is unlikely to help you. If anything, they might damage your eyes even further.
Glasses are supposed to be individually tailored to the wearer depending on their specific eyesight.
If you find that your eyesight is still poor even after wearing glasses, then you might want to enquire about getting a new pair of glasses. You can take a new eye test and then have a pair of glasses specifically made for you. You should take an eye test every two years.
It might be that your eyesight has deteriorated since the last time you took a test and you need thicker glasses for better vision.
How to Tell If You Need an Eye Test? Use Your Judgement
It’s easy to pretend that everything is fine with your eyesight and that you don’t have a problem. But you need to be honest with yourself. Your poor eyesight can have a negative impact on those around you and can even put them in danger.
Be sure to get your eyes checked regularly. Evaluate your actions if you find yourself constantly getting into accidents.
If you are interested in reading more about getting an eye test, be sure to check out the rest of our site.