10 signs you might need an eye test
If you’re wondering "Should I get an eye test?", know that a thorough eye exam every two years helps ensure your vision remains clear — with or without prescription lenses. If you’re 65 or over, a yearly eye test is recommended.
However, even if you aren’t due for an eye test, certain symptoms and indicators should prompt you to visit your eye doctor sooner rather than later. They are:
1. Hazy or blurry vision
Symptoms:
Difficulty seeing fine details, reading text or recognising faces.
What it may indicate:
Refractive errors such as short-sightedness, long-sightedness or astigmatism.
What to do:
Book an eye test to assess whether prescription lenses are needed.
2. Visual disturbances
Symptoms:
Seeing spots, flashes of light, halos around lights or sudden floaters.
What it may indicate:
Retinal changes, eye strain or underlying eye conditions requiring urgent assessment.
What to do:
Seek immediate advice from an optometrist — do not delay testing.
3. Squinting a lot
Symptom:
Constantly squinting to sharpen focus.
What it may indicate:
Uncorrected vision issues or outdated prescriptions.
What to do:
Schedule an eye test to check whether your prescription needs updating or if corrective lenses are required.
4. Frequent headaches
Symptom:
Headaches after reading, screen use or driving.
What it may indicate:
Eye strain or uncorrected vision problems.
What to do:
Book an eye test to rule out vision-related causes.
5. Sensitivity to light
Symptom:
Discomfort in bright light or glare.
What it may indicate:
Eye inflammation, dry eye or refractive issues.
What to do:
An eye exam can identify the cause and recommend solutions, including prescription or protective eyewear such as sunglasses.
6. Eye pain, strain or fatigue
Symptoms:
Tired, sore or strained eyes after extended screen use or driving.
What it may indicate:
Digital eye strain or focusing difficulties.
What to do:
Protect your eyes by wearing sunglasses and book an eye test as soon as possible.
7. Eye infection
Symptoms:
Redness, swelling, discharge or itchiness.
What it may indicate:
Infection or inflammation.
What to do:
Avoid touching the eye area. Book an appointment with an optometrist promptly to prevent complications.
8. Watery eyes
Symptom:
Persistent tearing without irritation.
What it may indicate:
Blocked tear ducts, dry eye or allergies.
What to do:
An eye test can determine the underlying cause.
9. Trouble seeing at night
Symptoms:
Difficulty driving at night or adjusting to low light.
What it may indicate:
Night blindness, cataracts or refractive errors.
What to do:
Schedule an eye test to assess night vision and safety.
10. Distorted vision
Symptoms:
Straight lines appearing wavy or seeing double.
What it may indicate:
Serious eye or neurological issues.
What to do:
Seek urgent eye care.
Outside of these factors, there are other factors to consider in deciding how often you should have an eye test in Australia.
Why eye test frequency matters as you age
Age is a key factor in your vision. While all people experience vision problems at some point in time, some people may be more vulnerable to developing issues with their eyesight than others. Certain age groups, for example, are more likely to develop vision problems and require prescription eyewear.
Young children
Since some childhood learning difficulties are associated with undiagnosed vision problems, it’s recommended for kids to have their first eye test at the age of 3. This way, early detection and correction are possible.
Also, since eye health is important to your child’s growth and development, regular eye tests are advised. Aside from helping identify and manage vision problems early on, the test will also help your child feel at ease with eye exams.
Teens
Kids typically develop myopia once they hit puberty. The onset of myopia or near-sightedness during this stage would require most teenagers to use prescription eyewear.
This is why teenagers must get comfortable getting regular eye exams. When teenagers have untreated vision problems, these can affect various aspects of their life, including their ability to participate in athletic activities, work or study.
Over 40s
As people grow older, the human body's cells lose their ability to regenerate, including those in the eyes. The lenses lose their elasticity and ability to change shape inside the eye. This condition is known as presbyopia, resulting in a loss of the capacity to focus effectively on objects close to one’s line of sight.
People with this ailment must hold objects farther from their eyes to see the items clearly, which often becomes apparent among people in their mid-40s.
This is why it’s crucial to have regular eye exams once you reach this age. Most age-related disorders can be addressed effectively with an early diagnosis.
