Most people wait until reading a menu becomes a squint-and-guess exercise before booking an eye exam. In general, though, eye specialists suggest not waiting for vision loss itself — several other signs are worth a check-up on their own.
Frequent headaches after screen time or reading
Eye strain can show up as a headache long before it shows up as blurred vision. If this happens often, it's generally worth having your eyes examined rather than just reaching for pain relief.
Sudden floaters or flashes of light
An occasional floater is usually harmless, but a sudden increase, especially alongside flashes of light, is the kind of change specialists recommend having looked at promptly.
Difficulty adjusting between light and dark
Struggling to adjust when moving between bright and dim spaces, such as driving at night, can be an early sign worth mentioning at a check-up.
A family history of eye conditions
Conditions such as glaucoma can run in families and often develop without early symptoms. A family history is generally a good reason to keep up with regular screening even if your vision currently feels fine.
It's simply been a while
As a general guideline, adults are often advised to have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years, more frequently for children, older adults, or anyone with an existing condition. If in doubt, a specialist can advise on what's right for you.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis — if you're experiencing any of the above, please book a consultation so a specialist can assess your specific situation.