4 Reasons to Book an Appointment with an Eye Doctor ASAP
An eye doctor, or ophthalmologist, is a medical doctor who has specialised in diagnosing and managing problems associated with human vision, so not just issues with the eye, per se. This is because, for example, many vision problems are neurological in origin; the human vision system is extremely complicated and can get worse, or be at risk of worsening, due to many different things. This is clearly a good motive to choose an ophthalmologist to visit regularly and actually go to your regular check-ups. But sometimes symptoms warrant a check-up outside of those scheduled. So what are some good reasons to book an appointment with an ophthalmologist as soon as possible?
You're Experiencing Changes in Your Vision
Even something as simple as a slight progression in myopia or a barely noticeable doubling of your vision could be a warning sign of very serious problems over the horizon. If you notice a single change in your vision, don't procrastinate visiting an ophthalmologist. If you're curious, simply ask a few older people why you should get every vision problem checked; chances are that some have procrastinated and suffered the consequences.
If Your Eyes Look Visibly Different
It may seem obvious, but if one of your eyes is suddenly pointing in an odd direction or just generally looks different in whatever way, you should definitely book an appointment with an ophthalmologist. Though it doesn't seem to be common knowledge, a lazy eye, or a case of amblyopia, is usually easily treatable; however, with many such issues, it is easier to treat the sooner it is treated.
You've Been Diagnosed with Glaucoma
Whether you've been recently diagnosed with the very serious angle-closure glaucoma or just the common open-angle glaucoma, you should be visiting an ophthalmologist for glaucoma management around once a week to help get it under control. Regardless, even once it's under control, you should be scheduled for visits several times a year to keep it under control. Glaucoma management is so simple, yet it can save you your vision in its entirety; don't procrastinate treatment.
If Your Eyes Become Sensitive to Light or Glare
Don't just play it off as a symptom of spending too much time inside or looking at screens; sensitivity to light or glare is a common symptom of a range of eye problems. For example, light sensitivity, or photophobia, along with glare sensitivity are common symptoms of cataracts, which are best tended to in their earlier stages. Another, albeit less common, potential reason for these symptoms is retinitis pigmentosa, or RP, which is an umbrella term for a group of disorders revolving around issues with retina cell loss or failure. Regardless of the potential cause, sensitivity to light or glare is a symptom which should be seen to by an ophthalmologist as soon as possible.