These days, it’s easy to take your eyes for granted. If there aren’t any obvious problems in your vision, you may not think there is a reason to visit an eye doctor. Your eyes are among the most important parts of your body, necessary for completing daily tasks and living comfortably, so taking care of them should be of equal importance. If you have been putting off your eye care, this month is the perfect time to make it a priority, as February is Low Vision Awareness Month(opens in a new tab). Make use of this month to put your eye care first and visit an ophthalmologist.
Why Should I See an Ophthalmologist?
When you think of going to the doctor, you probably think of heading to your primary care provider. But when it comes to your eyes or vision, you should go see an eye care specialist, specifically an ophthalmologist. An ophthalmologist is a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating medical and surgical diseases of the eye. They specialize in treating eye health problems such as dry eyes, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, and more.
Many serious eye problems can be completely silent or go unnoticed until the disease is very advanced, so it is important to get your eyes evaluated frequently. Eye disease is best treated when it’s detected early, as waiting can lead to further damage to the eye that may not be able to be repaired. It is important to note that many eye diseases can only be detected by ophthalmology equipment, so routine visits are imperative to your eye health.
When Should I See an Ophthalmologist?
You should visit an eye doctor or ophthalmologist on an annual basis for routine check-ups, but you may need to see them between visits if you have concerns. You should reach out to your ophthalmologist if you experience any of the following:
- You have intermittent vision changes that improve with blinking.
- Your eyes become red, dry, or itchy.
- You have noticeable changes in your vision after a trauma or injury.
- You experience headaches or blurred vision in your eyes, particularly after using a computer.
- You have pressure or pain in your eyes.
- You are struggling to see during basic tasks like driving or have a hard time following an object.
- You are experiencing changes in your vision such as seeing spots, flashes of light, or floaters.
If you experience any of these symptoms you should reach out to your ophthalmologist for evaluation.
Some eye problems are minor and can go away on their own, but many serious eye problems can go unnoticed until it is too late. It is in your best interest to visit your ophthalmologist at least once a year and be sure to see them when you experience troubling symptoms or have any concerns. Now is the perfect time to go see about your eye health, so stay one step ahead by visiting an ophthalmologist at Premier Medical Associates.
Premier Medical Associates is an affiliate of the Allegheny Health Network and is the largest multi-specialty physician practice in the Greater Pittsburgh Area. Our highly experienced care team provides services like ophthalmology and primary care for you and your loved one’s needs. Visit our Monroeville office or call us at 412-457-0422 for more information.
