Visiting an eye doctor (such as one from Jacobson Eyecare) is an annual routine for most individuals with glasses or contacts, but an occasional eye exam is part of a well-rounded health regime for anyone. Schedule a vision checkup if you've never had one, it's been a while since your last exam, or you are experiencing vision-related problems.

Why See an Eye Doctor if No Issues Exist?

Many times, individuals believe their vision is perfect when it's not. Vision often degenerates so slowly, your brain gets used to dealing with the blur and it's not until you're in the chair and staring through little circles that you realize your vision could be better.

Routine vision exams can also rule out or identify potential health problems, including chronic diseases such as diabetes. Even if your vision seems fine, a doctor may see something in your eye that indicates a problem is brewing; as with any health concern, early identification and prevention saves time, money, and suffering.

Seek an Immediate Appointment for Certain Symptoms

Blurry vision is an obvious reason to see the eye doctor, but an immediate appointment is advisable if you see flashing lights that aren't there. Occasional floaters—little dots that appear to float on your vision—are normal, but seeing a bunch at one time could indicate a retinal detachment. Unexplained discharge, pain in or around the eyes, or constant redness in the eyes are also reasons to seek medical attention.

Vision problems don't always present immediately as an issue with your eyes. If you regularly get dizzy or nauseous when looking up from a computer screen or book, your eyes may be struggling to focus between short and long vision. Outside of other medical concerns, such symptoms could indicate a need for corrective lenses.

Choosing an OD or MD

Eye doctors come in two forms. An ophthalmologist is a medical doctor (MD) while an optometrist is a doctor of optometry (OD). Either type of provider is a good choice for most basic vision concerns. Individuals who are seeking treatment for medical issues such as glaucoma, diabetes-related eye problems, or cataracts should start with an MD when possible. If you don't realize medical issues are a part of your vision concerns and you do see an OD, he or she will refer you to an appropriate provider for treatment as needed.

Don't let fear of doctors keep you from healthy vision; eye exams are typically quick and without any invasive procedures. The most uncomfortable part of the entire thing is the glaucoma test, which involves a small puff of air being blown into each eye and is over in seconds.