7 Signs You Need to Visit an Atlanta Eye Doctor
It’s dreadful thinking what the future holds if your vision deteriorates. You’ve considered swinging by that Atlanta eye doctor office on the way home from work many times. It’s clear because road signs are difficult to read and headaches are frequent.
You’ve seen the I85 billboards advertising vision exam and glasses. They’re not too expensive, you think, and you make the appointment. While waiting, eyes dilated, your Atlanta eye doctor gives you the bad news… they confirm your dread.
You never really batted an eye at picking up eye insurance. But, now, it’s looking like your prescription isn’t the typical price. You wish you had taken action sooner.
Here are those tell-tale signs your vision is suffering (so you can act before it’s too late):
These Troubling Signs Are Clear as 20/20 Vision
Noticing the beginning signs of eye problems is bad news. The good news is that an Atlanta eye doctor is minutes away.
Here are those signs to watch out for:
1. Squinting (Frequently)
Squinting to read literature or to focus on an object are signs of macular degeneration. Several contributors including race, smoking, obesity, and high blood pressure cause macular degeneration.
Images begin to turn blurry, as it affects the central vision.
Most cases of macular degeneration happen in older individuals. However, it’s not uncommon for younger individuals to experience the early signs.
2. Troubled Night Driving
Blinding headlights and trouble reading road signs are glaring signs of vision issues. Many are quick to dismiss their trouble with night driving. They place their issues on “high beams”. Fractaling headlights aren’t normal.
The correct treatment of vision problems will improve night driving safety. Lights remain bright but won’t starburst as harsh. Signs and lane guides will be visible from a great distance.
3. Floaters and Flashes
Floaters are small pieces of collagen creating a shadow in your vision. These are quite common. Dust and dirt may also be the reason for seeing these anomalies.
The problem arises when floaters become frequent. These floaters are a breakdown of the vitreous. A sudden flood of floaters accompanied by light flashes indicate an eye care emergency.
The vitreous is detaching from the retina — leading to blindness.
4. Tension and Recurring Headaches
Digital eye strain is normal from our constant use of phones and computers. General eye strain from our activities may cause tension headaches. These problems go away from taking a break from such activities.
Yet, recurring headaches are problematic signs.
Glaucoma and astigmatism may be the cause of these frequent headaches and tension. Keep a journal of these incidents to understand if they’re simply from screens or a real problem.
5. Irritated Eyes
Red and itchy eyes may be from simple things like allergies or foreign objects. The eye will take care of these problems. Otherwise, allergy medications and eye drops will work fine.
The problem begins if these are too frequent. See an Atlanta eye doctor if redness and irritation persists or if you begin seeing floaters and flashes (as discussed above).
6. Light Sensitivity
Light sensitivity is called photophobia.
The discomfort may be the cause of an eye infection or an oncoming migraine. Serious problems may be the root of the issue. A detached retina or a corneal scratch could be the cause of this light sensitivity.
Immediately visit an Atlanta eye doctor if problems result from daily activities.
7. Infections
It’s easy to pass off an eye infection. Most symptoms appear mild and only slightly irritable. Infections will typically begin with redness and irritation. These infections could result in eye damage if untreated with proper antibiotics.
Most eye infections are caused by a strain of the common cold. Serious infections like herpes or tuberculosis can damage the inner eye and retina. These typically lead to vision loss.
Visit a doctor if the irritation continues for a few days or if discharge begins. Avoid further irritation by not touching or scratching the eyes. Use prescribed medications or antibiotics to end the issues before they become a serious problem.
The Benefit of an Early Atlanta Eye Doctor Visit
Ideally, regular eye exams should be a part of the bi-yearly routine. Many forgo these appointments. The problems usually take a backseat to other health issues.
However, an early Atlanta eye doctor visit can prevent issues from becoming worse. An eye care specialist can detect early signs of eye damage, and a field test will verify the results.
Glaucoma and cataracts — along with macular degeneration — are the leading causes of vision loss throughout the world. Specialists can provide an eye care routine to slow or prevent worsening.
On Lifestyle Changes
The eye care professional will offer suggestions to lead a better lifestyle. These suggestions for exercise and dieting will help curb eye problems caused by weight.
Lifestyle changes are typical professional suggestions. This advice combined with exam results may strongly motivate patients to heed their doctor’s warning.
On Insurance
Vision insurance is low-cost. The basic coverage will offer low copays for regular checkups and basic eye care.
Medical insurance covers serious eye care and surgery needs via an ophthalmologist. Surgeries have a high success rate but don’t use them as an excuse to avoid checkups and an eye care routine.
Come See Us: The Eye Consultants of Atlanta
We’re located throughout the Atlanta area and represented by 11 offices. Our network of skilled medical practitioners has extensive knowledge and expertise. We are a one-stop location for all your eyecare needs — including:
- Cataract surgery
- Lasik services
- Glaucoma treatment
Our optical center ensures 100% satisfaction, offering hundreds of frames and lenses. You’ll find dozens of styles from the biggest brands. We’ll have you seeing through new eyes and making sure everything is great with routine eye care.
Don’t wait longer if the signs are clear. Request an appointment or stop by our locations for a consultation today.