Ever wondered if that afternoon headache or blurry focus means something more? We caught up with Geoff Parker, co-founder of Index Optical, to unpack the early signs your eyes might be telling you it’s time for a check-up. From screen fatigue to tired, dry eyes, Geoff answers the questions many of us wonder about but rarely ask. With over 35 years of experience as an optometrist, his insights reveal why even subtle changes in your vision can be a sign it’s time for an eye exam.
My vision goes blurry when I switch between reading and looking up - is that normal or something I should get checked?
In a normal, perfect pair of eyes you should be able to almost instantaneously change focus from near to distance and vice versa. If you’re noticing that this is slow to happen, this is definitely not normal and tells us that your eyes are tired, likely as a result of an underlying visual problem. Definitely get this checked out.
Is it normal for your vision to change throughout the day, like being clear in the morning but fuzzy at night?
Similarly to the previous question, a normal pair of eyes will be clear throughout the day. If you’re noticing that things are getting worse as the day marches on, this is definitely telling you that things are not what they should be and again there is likely an underlying vision issue that is causing these changes. Another reason to have an eye test.
I keep getting tension headaches after a day at my computer - could that be a sign I need an eye exam?
Headaches are a complex field with many causes, some of which could be eyesight related. Commonly eye related headaches occur later in the day, are more mild in intensity and often located around the eyes. For regular headaches it is always worth getting yours assessed to see if there is a relationship.
If someone finds themselves avoiding reading, driving at night, or doing fine-detail tasks, could that be their eyes telling them something?
The human brain is very clever at avoiding things that it finds more difficult to do. As an example, long sighted people, as they get older, tend to avoid reading as much, because sub consciously their brain knows that it is getting harder to do. Funnily enough not many people see the connection until it is pointed out to them!
My eyes often feel tired or dry by the end of the day - could that be linked to my vision?
These sorts of symptoms are common for computer users. Dryness particularly is very common amongst this group. Unfortunately when you are staring at your screen for any length of time, the amount that you blink actually falls by about 40%. The problem with this is that there is now 40% less lubrication for your eyes and they feel scratchy and dry, particularly at the end of the day. Raise this issue in an eye exam and we will discuss how to deal with it better.
For anyone who’s never had an eye exam before, is there a “right time” to book one, even if nothing feels wrong?
In the age we live in now where almost everyone is screen based to some degree from an early age, it’s good to get a handle on what your eyes are like at an early point. This is particularly true as kids become teenagers and their screen hours start to increase. Discovering an underlying visual problem that you are currently not aware of can save you sore, tired eyes in the future along with headaches. It may also improve your concentration span on screen leading to better work productivity. Far better to understand your future issues than find out too late!
Book in your eye exam with Geoff today at indexoptical.co.nz or give us a ring.
-
5 Havelock Road,
Havelock North,
Hawkes Bay
4130
06 211 7433