When was your last eye exam?
If you had to stop and think about it, it might be time to schedule one.
One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is, “My vision seems fine, so I probably don’t need an eye exam.”
But seeing 20/20 is only one part of healthy vision. A comprehensive eye exam evaluates not only how clearly you see, but also your prescription, how your eyes work together, and the health of the structures inside and around your eyes.
At Allure Eyecare + Aesthetics in Bloomington, Indiana, we believe taking care of your eyes should be proactive—not something you only think about when you can no longer read the road signs!
So, how do you know when it’s time to schedule an eye exam? Here are seven signs we don't want you to ignore.
1. Your Vision Isn't as Sharp as It Used to Be
This may sound obvious, but vision changes can happen so gradually that you don't realize how much your eyesight has changed.
Maybe street signs aren't quite as crisp. You're holding your phone a little farther away. The subtitles on the TV seem smaller than they used to. Or you find yourself squinting to make things clearer.
Even a small change in your glasses or contact lens prescription can make a noticeable difference in how comfortably and clearly you see.
If things aren't looking quite as sharp as they used to, it's a good reason to schedule a comprehensive eye exam.
2. You're Getting Headaches or Experiencing Eye Strain
Do your eyes feel tired at the end of the day? Are you experiencing headaches after working on a computer or spending hours on your phone?
Your eyes work hard all day—especially in today's screen-filled world.
An outdated prescription, focusing difficulty, eye-teaming issue, or even dry eye can contribute to visual discomfort. A comprehensive eye exam can help us determine whether your eyes or vision may be contributing to those symptoms.
And sometimes, a relatively small prescription change can make a big difference in visual comfort.
3. Driving at Night Has Become More Difficult
Night driving is one of the first situations where many people notice their vision isn't what it used to be.
You might notice:
More glare around headlights
Halos around lights
Difficulty reading signs
Reduced contrast in dim lighting
More difficulty seeing in rain
A general feeling that you're less comfortable driving after dark
Changes in your prescription can contribute, but so can other conditions such as dry eye or cataracts.
If you've started avoiding nighttime driving or simply don't feel as confident behind the wheel after dark, tell us about it during your eye exam.
4. You're Squinting More Than You Used To
Squinting temporarily changes how light enters your eye, which can make an image appear a little clearer.
That's why you may catch yourself squinting at road signs, the television, a menu board—or even your computer.
If squinting has become a habit, don't just accept it as part of getting older. Your prescription may have changed.
The goal isn't simply to be able to see.
We want you to see comfortably and clearly.
5. Your Eyes Feel Dry, Watery, Gritty or Tired
Here's one that surprises people: sometimes an eye exam is needed even when the problem doesn't seem to be your vision.
Dryness, burning, watering, redness, fluctuating vision, grittiness or tired eyes can all indicate an ocular surface problem.
And yes—watery eyes can actually be a symptom of dry eye.
At Allure, dry eye happens to be one of our specialties, so we pay close attention to the health of the ocular surface and eyelids during your examination.
If you've been buying eye drops over and over without really knowing why your eyes are irritated, it may be time to find out what's actually causing the problem.
6. Your Glasses or Contact Lenses Just Don't Seem Right Anymore
Maybe your glasses still technically “work,” but you find yourself taking them off to read.
Maybe your contacts aren't as comfortable at the end of the day.
Or perhaps you're constantly adjusting your glasses trying to find the clearest spot.
Your visual needs can change over time, and so can your eyes.
During your eye exam, we'll evaluate your current prescription and talk with you about how you actually use your vision—from computers and phones to driving, reading, hobbies and work.
For contact lens wearers, we'll also evaluate how your lenses fit and how your eyes are responding to them.
The prescription that worked beautifully a few years ago may not be the prescription—or lens—that works best for you today.
7. It's Simply Been a While Since Your Last Eye Exam
You don't have to have blurry vision to benefit from an eye exam.
Some eye-health conditions can develop without obvious symptoms in their earlier stages. That's one reason comprehensive eye care involves much more than asking you to read letters on an eye chart.
During an eye examination, we evaluate both your vision and your eye health.
At Allure, we want to take care of your eyes for the long term—not simply hand you a glasses prescription and send you on your way.
“But I See Fine. Do I Really Need an Eye Exam?”
We hear this one a lot!
Think of an eye exam as preventive care for your eyes.
You visit your dentist even when your teeth don't hurt. You have routine physicals even when you feel healthy. Your eyes deserve the same attention.
A comprehensive eye exam looks beyond whether you can read the 20/20 line.
Depending on your individual needs, an eye examination may include evaluation of your:
Visual acuity
Glasses prescription
Contact lens needs
Eye focusing and coordination
Eye pressure
Cornea and front surface of the eye
Lens of the eye
Retina
Optic nerve
Macula
Peripheral vision
Overall ocular health
Additional testing or imaging may be recommended based on your age, health history, family history, symptoms and examination findings.
What Can an Eye Exam Detect?
Comprehensive eye exams can help identify and monitor many eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease and dry eye disease.
Some eye conditions may develop before you notice a significant change in vision. That's why we don't want “I can still see fine” to be the only measure of whether your eyes are healthy.
Your overall health matters, too. Conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure can produce changes in the eyes, making routine eye care an important part of your overall healthcare.
What Makes an Eye Exam at Allure Different?
At Allure Eyecare + Aesthetics, we're not your typical eye doctor's office—and that's intentional.
Our goal is to combine personalized care with modern technology while creating an experience that feels comfortable, relaxed and thorough.
We want to know more than whether you can see the letters on the chart.
How do you use your eyes every day?
Do you spend eight hours in front of a computer? Drive frequently at night? Wear contacts for long days? Struggle with dry or tired eyes? Have trouble reading fine print? Want better sunglasses? Need glasses that actually fit your personality?
Those things matter.
Our comprehensive eye care includes glasses and contact lens examinations as well as evaluation and management of a variety of ocular conditions. We also use advanced technology, including retinal imaging, when appropriate, to help us evaluate and monitor your eye health.
And if you do need new glasses, you don't have to settle for boring eyewear. Our optical features a carefully selected collection of frames so your glasses can be part of your style—not something you have to hide.
See boldly. Feel beautiful.
Looking for an Eye Exam in Bloomington, Indiana?
Whether you've noticed a change in your vision or simply realized it's been too long since your last exam, we'd love to see you.
Allure Eyecare + Aesthetics provides comprehensive eye exams in Bloomington, Indiana, including glasses exams, contact lens exams, pediatric eye care, diabetic eye examinations, dry eye care and management of many common eye-health conditions.
And remember—you don't have to wait until something is wrong with your eyes to take care of them.
Is It Time for Your Eye Exam?
If you recognized yourself in one—or several—of these signs, this may be your reminder.
Schedule your comprehensive eye exam at Allure Eyecare + Aesthetics in Bloomington, Indiana today.
Come see what modern eyecare feels like.
See Boldly. Feel Beautiful.