What Vision Changes Should You Never Ignore?

Vision can change for plenty of reasons, from needing an updated prescription to simply having tired or dry eyes after a long day. But not every change should be brushed off or put on the list for your next routine eye exam. Sudden flashes of light, a noticeable increase in floaters, unexplained blurred or distorted vision, and partial or complete vision loss can sometimes point to an eye condition that needs prompt attention. 

At SPEX in Seattle, WA, Dr. Scott Campbell helps patients understand changes in their eyesight and determine when further evaluation or treatment may be necessary. When it comes to protecting your vision, knowing which symptoms can wait and which ones warrant a call to your eye doctor can make an important difference. Here, we'll take a closer look at vision changes you shouldn't ignore and what they could be telling you about your eye health. 

 

Is it normal to have blurry vision once in a while? 

Occasional blurry vision isn't always a sign that something is wrong with your eyes. Temporary blurriness can happen with dry eyes, eye strain, fatigue, prolonged screen use, or even wearing contact lenses for too long. However, blurred vision that appears suddenly, keeps returning, affects only one eye, is accompanied by other unexplained symptoms, or doesn't clear up deserves more attention. 

 

What does it mean if eye floaters come and go? 

Floaters often look like small specks, threads, cobwebs, or shadows drifting across your field of vision. They can seem to come and go because they are usually easier to notice against bright, plain backgrounds, such as a blue sky or white computer screen. A few longstanding floaters are common and may become more noticeable with age as the gel-like vitreous inside the eye changes. 

What matters is whether your floaters have suddenly changed. A rapid increase in their number, particularly when accompanied by flashes of light or a dark curtain or shadow in your vision, can be associated with a retinal tear or retinal detachment and should be evaluated promptly. 

 

What are the signs of eye problems you shouldn’t ignore? 

Some vision changes are more concerning because they can occur when the retina, optic nerve, cornea, or other important structures of the eye are affected. Symptoms can vary widely depending on the cause, and a change doesn't have to be painful to warrant attention. Contact your eye doctor promptly if you experience:  

• Sudden partial or complete vision loss 
• A dark curtain, veil, or shadow across your vision 
• New flashes of light or a sudden increase in floaters 
• New or unexplained double vision 
• Persistent blurred, distorted, or wavy vision 
• Significant eye pain, particularly with redness or vision changes 
• New blind spots or missing areas in your field of vision 

Because some serious eye conditions can progress quickly, it's better to have an unexplained or sudden change evaluated than to assume it will resolve on its own. Dr. Campbell can examine the eyes and determine whether your symptoms are related to a relatively minor issue or something requiring more immediate care. 

 

How often should I have an eye exam if I’m not having noticeable problems? 

Eye exams aren't only for people who need glasses or notice that their vision has changed. Comprehensive eye exams can reveal early signs of glaucoma, retinal disease, cataracts, and other conditions before they begin noticeably interfering with eyesight. How often you should be examined depends on factors such as your age, overall health, family history, current prescription, and whether you have risk factors for certain eye diseases. 

Someone with diabetes, a strong family history of glaucoma, or an existing eye condition, for example, may need more frequent monitoring. Dr. Campbell can recommend an eye exam schedule based on your individual risk factors rather than waiting for symptoms to determine when it's time for your next visit. 

 

Don't overlook changes in your vision; schedule a comprehensive eye exam in Seattle, WA 

Your eyesight doesn't have to change dramatically for an eye exam to be worthwhile. Paying attention to new symptoms and keeping up with routine eye care can help identify problems earlier and protect the vision you rely on every day. If you've noticed an unexplained change in your eyesight or you're due for a comprehensive eye exam, contact our team at SPEX to schedule an appointment with Dr. Scott Campbell for personalized eye care in Seattle, WA.