How long has it been since you saw an eye doctor? Eye doctors specialize in a variety of eye conditions. If you have experienced symptoms of eye problems, an eye exam can determine the cause of your issues and develop a plan to treat them. 

What Do Eye Doctors Treat?

Eye doctors like Dr. Alabata are called ophthalmologists. Dr. Alabata specializes in treating eye conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and laser vision correction. Other eye doctors may specialize in different conditions or provide eye exams and routine care. You may also sometimes see an optometrist, an eye specialist who also performs eye exams and some procedures. 

Five Signs It’s Time to See an Eye Doctor

If you have avoided seeing an eye doctor because you have not noticed any problems, you may have undetected conditions developing in your eyes. Schedule an appointment with an eye doctor if you develop any of these symptoms:

Blurry Vision

Blurry vision has many causes. You may be a candidate for laser vision correction if your blurred vision comes from a refractive error. You may also notice blurry vision as an early sign of glaucoma, macular degeneration, and retinal conditions. While often harmless, blurry vision is a good reason for an eye exam.

Frequent Headaches

Vision problems can cause recurring headaches. This can occur as a result of squinting at near or distant objects, indicating you might need laser vision correction. It can also occur as a result of a serious medical condition of the eye. An eye doctor can tell you whether you have cause for concern. 

Night Vision Problems

Problems with seeing at night can signal several serious eye conditions developing. You may have trouble seeing at all or see blinding halos or glare around lights. Potential problems include cataracts and macular degeneration. Night vision problems can also occur as a normal part of aging, but you should still have it checked. 

Eye Pain

You should see an eye doctor immediately if you experience eye pain. This problem can indicate an infection or certain forms of rapidly-progressing glaucoma. Eye pain is uncommon and can indicate something that requires immediate attention. 

Light Sensitivity

While some light sensitivity is normal and healthy, being overly sensitive can cause discomfort and limit your activities. Conditions that can cause light sensitivity include issues with the cornea and developing cataracts. An eye exam will identify the causes of this issue and help your eye doctor plan your treatment.

How Often Should I Have an Eye Exam?

Most adults should have an eye exam once a year. Those with medical conditions of the eye may need more frequent visits to monitor their treatment. Dr. Alabata and his team will develop an appropriate treatment schedule to meet your needs. You should have eye exams even if your eyes seem fine since many eye conditions can develop without symptoms in their early stages. 

Take the Next Step and Enjoy Better Vision

To schedule your in-person Eye Care Consultation, call Alabata Eye Center at (850) 331-3937. A referral is not necessary. Thank you for trusting our professional services.