5 Signs You Might Need an Eye Exam
Author: Larry Zunde (Optometrist)
Date published: 17 March 2024
Your vision isn’t something to take for granted.
Did you know that your eyes and vision changes over time, sometimes so gradually that you don’t notice until daily tasks become frustrating.
Blurry vision, headaches, or difficulty seeing at night aren’t just inconveniences—they can signal underlying eye conditions that may worsen if left unchecked.
At Larry Zunde Optometrists, we use advanced technology to catch eye problems as early as possible.
Whether it’s updating your prescription lenses or detecting a more serious issue, a comprehensive eye exam can provide you with valuable answers.
If you’re experiencing any of the following five signs, it may be a sign you should schedule an eye exam as soon as possible.
1. Your Vision Is Blurry or Hard to Focus is the first Sign You Might Need an Eye Exam
Are you struggling to read small print? Distant objects looking fuzzy? Blurry vision can be an indication that your current prescription needs updating, but it can also indicate something else such as:
Common Causes of Blurry Vision:
- Nearsightedness (Myopia): Distant objects appear unclear.
- Farsightedness (Hyperopia): Difficulty focusing on nearby objects.
- Astigmatism: A misshapen cornea causes distorted vision at all distances.
- Presbyopia: Age-related difficulty focusing on close objects, typically after 40.
Blurriness can also stem from eye strain, dry eyes, or early cataracts.
If your vision has changed—even slightly—an exam can pinpoint the cause and provide a solution before it affects your daily life. This may be an important sign you might need an eye exam.
2. You’re Getting Frequent Headaches
Tension headaches aren’t always from stress.
If you experience headaches, especially after reading, using screens as we so often do theses days, or working in dim lighting, your eyes might be working harder than they should.
How Your Vision Affects Headaches:
- Uncorrected refractive errors make your eyes strain to focus, which can lead to discomfort.
- Eye muscle fatigue from prolonged screen time can lead to tension headaches.
- Outdated prescriptions force your eyes to compensate for changes, leading to strain.
If your headaches follow a pattern—after long work days, extended reading, or digital screen use—an eye test can determine if your vision is the culprit.
Our Optometrist can recommend the right prescription glasses or contact lenses that may offer relief.
3. Your Eyes Feel Tired or Strained
Long hours at your computer, reading for extended periods, or driving at night can leave your eyes feeling fatigued. But if discomfort is constant, it might indicate an underlying problem.
Signs of Eye Strain:
- Burning, dryness, or excessive watering
- Difficulty keeping your eyes open
- A heavy sensation in your eyelids
Screen use is a major culprit as mentioned.
Digital eye strain happens when you focus on screens for too long without breaks.
If adjusting brightness or taking breaks doesn’t help, a comprehensive eye exam or eye test can reveal if you need prescription lenses designed for screen use.
4. Your night time vision is less than OK
Driving at night shouldn’t feel like a challenge. If headlights cause glare, streetlights seem too bright, or dim lighting makes it hard to see, your night vision may be declining.
Possible Causes:
- Cataracts cloud the lens, making vision appear hazy.
- Vitamin A deficiency affects how your eyes adjust to darkness.
- Retinal conditions can interfere with night vision and peripheral awareness.
Night vision issues can develop gradually, making them easy to ignore at first. But if you notice changes, it’s best to have them checked before they impact safety, especially when driving.
5. Light Feels Too Harsh or Uncomfortable
Do bright lights seem to shock your eyes?
Do you squint in sunlight or struggle with screen glare? Increased light sensitivity, known as photophobia, can be a sign of:
- Dry eye syndrome, which reduces tear production.
- Corneal irritation from infections or inflammation.
- Neurological conditions like migraines, which can make light feel unbearable.
Occasional discomfort in bright environments is nothing to be worried about, but if it’s persistent, it may be a sign You Might Need an Eye Exam.
Why Regular Eye Exams vital in 2025 and beyond
Many eye diseases don’t show symptoms early on.
By the time you notice vision problems, the condition may already be advanced. That’s why early detection is crucial.
At our practice, we use advanced imaging technology to check for signs of glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic eye disease before they cause irreversible damage.
How Often Should You Get an Eye Exam?
Even if your vision is normal, routine exams help keep your eyes in peak condition and healthy. Here’s how often you should schedule one:
- Under 40: Every two years
- Over 40: Every one to two years
- Diabetes, high blood pressure, or family history of eye disease: Once a year
If you’ve noticed any of the Signs You Might Need an Eye Exam, book an appointment with us.
Early action keeps your eyesight sharp and your daily life uninterrupted. Schedule an eye exam today.
About the Author:
Larry Zunde is an optometrist with over 30 years experience at Larry Zunde Optometrists situated in Bedfordview. His optometric training included an emphasis on eye exams, contact lenses fitting, ocular disease and vision therapy. His optometric training also included working at St. Johns Eye Hospital, part of Baragwanath Academic Hospital, whilst doing his military service.