Introduction
As you grow older, you may have noticed some changes in your body, particularly your eyesight. Road signs might not be as clear anymore or you might find yourself squinting while reading. These difficulties may be signs that there is an underlying problem with your vision, or perhaps that it’s time for you to consult an eye clinic.
In the Philippines, vision impairment and blindness have a prevalence rate of 1.98%, with over 4 million Filipinos currently living with undiagnosed eye problems. Regardless of the reason, know that visiting an eye clinic is a step towards prioritizing your health. It’s also a way to make sure that your eyesight is in the best shape.
6 Signs to Watch Out For
Putting off the early signs of eye problems can endanger your eyesight. Here are 6 signs that you should schedule an appointment with an eye clinic in Manila:
Blurry Vision
When your vision starts to blur, it can be a sign that your eyesight is not how it used to be. Tiny shadows and flashes of light in your vision can also be tears or holes in the eye, which are symptoms of more alarming eye problems.
Eye Pain or Discomfort
Eye pain or discomfort in your daily routine doesn’t automatically mean that you are having eye problems. However, if you struggle with normal eye movement or if you experience pain for more than a few days, check with an eye clinic just in case.
Sensitivity to Light
Being sensitive to bright lights or having trouble seeing in the dark can also be a symptom of a much larger eye problem.
Difficulty with Colors
If you are not seeing colors like the people around you, your vision could be the reason. Testing for color blindness is also an option you can explore at an eye clinic.
Problems with Near or Distant Vision
Globally, 2.2 billion people suffer from near or distant vision. Finding yourself squinting at road signs or distancing yourself when reading a book to make out the details may be signs of near or distance vision impairment.
It’s Been Awhile
Ideally, you should be scheduling an appointment with an eye clinic yearly. Your vision might have changed since your last visit, so it’s important to get checked every once in a while.
When Should You Visit an Eye Clinic If You Wear Glasses
For people with prescriptive glasses or contact lenses, a vision checkup is essential every one or two years. Prescription expires after this period of time, so it’s vital to make sure that your eyesight hasn’t changed before ordering new glasses or contact lenses.
Apart from this annual or bi-annual period, consider these 3 factors when scheduling your next eye clinic appointment:
Environment
Your current environment can play a crucial role in determining how often you should check with an eye doctor. For instance, if you have an environment that requires you to constantly use your eyesight for long periods of time, consider checking with an eye clinic more often to keep track of your vision.
Age
As you age through the years, your eyes may require more comprehensive eye exams to look out for eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts.
A good rule of thumb for how frequently you should schedule these exams is as follows:
- 20 to 39 years old: Every two to four years
- 40 to 64 years old: Every two to four years
- 65 years and above: Every one to two years
Medical Condition
If you experience symptoms of eye problems, you should check with your eye doctor, no matter how recent your eye exam was. If you suffer from conjunctivitis, macular degeneration, or other eye diseases, consider visiting the nearest eye clinic in Manila, Philippines more frequently to protect your eyesight.
Conclusion
By getting your eyes checked regularly, you’re making sure that you’re seeing the world as clearly as possible. When you’re ready to put your eye health first, set an appointment with an eye clinic as soon as possible.
