If you haven't been to the eye doctor for a long time, you might be wondering if you should go and visit the eye doctor. There are many misconceptions about the eye doctor, so much so that many people don't go often enough because they think that unless they have apparent vision changes, then there is no reason to see the doctor. That is not true. Here are some reasons to see the eye doctor.

1. You Have Headaches

One common sign that you have a problem with your eyes is that you are getting headaches. Headaches can be a sign of so many different problems. It could be a vascular problem, a sign of an underlying condition, or it could be an infection. These are just a few of the many options, but before you start getting serious testing for problems, you should see an eye doctor. This is especially the case if the headaches are coming later in the day. You might feel fine in the morning, but then as your eyes get tired from straining to see and the day goes on, the headache will come. This is why you should see an eye doctor to rule out eye problems if you are getting headaches later in the day and frequently.

2. Your Eyes Are Dry

Another reason to see the eye doctor is if your eyes are dry and tired. Many people don't understand what dry eye really is. Dry eye can cause a lot of discomfort and can make your eyes unhealthy. This is because you don't have enough lubricant inside the eye to flush out the dirt and grime, making your more susceptible to infections.

Having dry eyes does not mean that you have no tears in your eyes. Instead, you might have excessive watering of your eyes in attempts to lubricate them, but the tears are not enough. You need proper proteins in the lubricant to keep the eye moist. You might also feel like your eyes hurt, itch, or like there is a grain of sand stuck in the eye. If you have dry eye, you might need prescription eye drops or a different contact prescription.

3. You Haven't Seen An Eye Doctor In A Year

Lastly, even if you don't show any signs of problems, you should still see the eye doctor yearly. Many eye diseases don't have any symptoms, so you need to be pre-emptive and get your eyes looked at to rule out eye disease often.

By understanding these things you can protect your eyes. For more information, contact an ophthalmologist like Jo Johnson, M.D.