Our eyes do an incredible amount of work every day, yet many people delay eye tests until they notice something dramatically wrong.
At Abernethy Owens, we see daily how early detection can protect vision, improve comfort and even uncover underlying health conditions.
Not sure whether it’s time for a check-up? Here are some of the telltale signs that your eyes may be trying to tell you something.
Blurry Vision
Blurriness is one of the most common indicators that your eyes need attention. You might notice trouble reading road signs, difficulty seeing small print or a general softness to everything you look at. Sometimes the change is gradual, but even mild blurriness can suggest refractive issues (like short-sightedness or long-sightedness) or age-related changes.
Headaches
Headaches, in particular those felt behind the eyes or around the temples, may signal that your eyes are working harder than they should. Uncorrected vision problems can strain the muscles around your eyes, especially when using digital devices for long periods.
Difficulty Seeing at Night
Struggling to drive at night, seeing halos around lights or feeling less confident in low-light environments can all indicate a change in your vision. These symptoms may be linked to refractive changes, cataracts or other conditions that should be assessed by an optometrist as early as possible.
Frequent Eye Fatigue
If your eyes feel tired or overwhelmed after a day at work or after lengthy periods looking at a screen, you may be experiencing digital eye strain. This doesn’t always mean something is wrong, but persistent discomfort can reveal underlying focusing problems or dryness that can be treated or managed.
Difficulty Focusing Between Distances
Finding yourself needing a moment to adjust when shifting your gaze from near to far? This is a common sign of presbyopia which is a natural age-related change that affects your eye’s ability to shift focus.
Squinting to See Clearly
Squinting can temporarily sharpen vision, but if you find yourself doing it often your eyes are likely compensating for a refractive issue.
Dry, Irritated or Watery Eyes
Dryness and irritation can be caused by environmental factors, but they’re also linked to digital strain and issues with tear film quality. Interestingly, excessively watery eyes can also indicate dryness as your eyes overproduce tears when they are irritated.
Trouble Reading or Having to Hold Text at Arm’s Length
If you find yourself stretching your arms further and further to read your phone or book, it may be time for reading glasses or multifocals. This is one of the most common early warning signs of presbyopia, often appearing in your 40s.
Double Vision
Double vision, whether constant or occasional, should never be ignored as it can indicate muscle imbalance, corneal issues or neurological concerns.
You Haven’t Had an Eye Test in Two Years or More
Even without symptoms, regular eye tests are essential. Many eye conditions develop quietly, without obvious signs in their early stages. Comprehensive examinations can detect:
· glaucoma
· diabetic eye disease
· subtle vision changes you may not notice
Staying consistent with your appointments is one of the easiest ways to protect your long-term eye health!
Your eyesight affects virtually every part of your daily life, your comfort, your safety, your work performance and even your confidence. Regular eye tests ensure that small changes are corrected before they become disruptive and that more serious conditions are caught early when treatment is most effective.
If you’re experiencing symptoms or you’re overdue for a check-up, schedule an eye examination now. Call 1800 411 744 or book online.