When to see an Ophthalmologist

Both adults and children should see an eye specialist for routine exams. Children should be examined during infancy and preschool years to detect potential vision defects. Adults should see an ophthalmologist preferably every year, but at least every two years.

If you have one or more of the following symptoms, you should see an ophthalmologist immediately.

• Blurry Vision (while wearing glasses or contact lenses)
• Bulging of One or Both Eyes
• Crossed, Turned, or Wandering Eyes
• Diabetes
• Difference in Sizes of the Eyes
• Discharge, Crusting, or Excessive Tearing in Eyes
• Double Vision
• Haloes (colored rays or circles around lights)
• Red Eye, Eye Pain, or Loss of Side Vision
• Seeing Flashes or Streaks of Light
• Seeing Spots or Shadows
• Swelling in Any Part of the Eye
• Twitching or Shaking Eye

You should also get immediate help if you suffer eye trauma, such as a chemical burn, blunt injury, or foreign body in the eye.