7 Signs That It’s Time For Your Next Comprehensive Eye Exam

Baptist Eye Surgeons • April 14, 2021

It’s easy to let things slip when life gets busy. You make sure to get your annual physical and see your dentist regularly, but what about your vision? You may think it’s no big deal, but it’s just as important to get your annual comprehensive eye exam. If you’re not sure if it’s time to schedule your next exam, here are a few clues:

A pair of eye testing glasses hanging from the ceiling.
  1. You can’t remember your last comprehensive eye exam
  2. You have a higher risk of vision problems
  3. It’s allergy season
  4. Your vision isn’t what it used to be
  5. You get headaches concentrated around your eyes
  6. Night driving has become more difficult
  7. You’re experiencing other vision problems

Signs that you need a comprehensive eye exam can vary. By getting them regularly, your ophthalmologist will be able to catch problems early on and provide you with the treatment you need.

1. You Can’t Remember Your Last Comprehensive Eye Exam

Do you remember the last time you had a comprehensive eye exam? Have you ever had an actual comprehensive exam eye exam? If you answered “no” to the first question and were confused by the second, then it’s definitely time to get one.

These aren’t the same eye exams you received in school, nor are they the kind you get to only update your eyewear prescription. Comprehensive exams, also known as baseline comprehensive eye exams , do much more than that. They use dilation to identify problems that often go unnoticed.

You should begin getting regular comprehensive eye exams every two to four years starting at the age of 40. They should become more frequent once you turn 55 with yearly exams or at least once every three years. Those with diabetes or are pre-diabetic should get yearly exams.

2. You Have a Higher Risk of Vision Problems

There are a variety of reasons you may have a higher risk of developing vision problems than others. One of the most common reasons is your family history . Genetics can play a huge role in your vision as well as overall health. This includes complications due to diabetes, glaucoma, AMD, and Fuch’s dystrophy.

Having a family history of eye disease doesn’t guarantee you’ll get it. However, it’s important to disclose that information to your doctor so they know what to check for to be on the safe side. For instance, it can take years for the effects of cataracts to become apparent. By knowing your family history, your doctor can provide the treatment you need before it takes full effect.

Sometimes vision problems can be the result of something completely unexpected . Glaucoma is often genetic, but it can also be the result of other factors. This can include:

  • Eye injuries
  • Steroids
  • Eye melanomas

Talk to your eye doctor if any of these apply to you. This will help them know to keep tabs on any signs of glaucoma or other eye problems before they progress too far.

3. It’s Allergy Season

Allergies can have a huge impact on your vision and can manifest themselves in different ways. For instance, common symptoms such as a stuffy nose, sneezing, and sniffling may not be present. However, you may have eyes that are red, itchy, and tearing up.

In cases like these, your eye doctor can perform an exam to make sure it’s allergies and not something stuck in your eye. They may recommend simple over-the-counter eye drops or prescribe medication. They may recommend that you see an allergy specialist in severe cases.

4. Your Vision Isn’t What It Used to Be

It’s an unfortunate fact that your visions will diminish as you get older. These problems start small. You may find yourself squinting more to read street signs or text on a computer screen. On the other hand, you may find yourself having to hold your phone or a book further away to make out what it says.

These problems can interrupt your routine. More concerning is that they can create real dangers if not addressed immediately. Regular comprehensive eye exams guarantee that these changes are being documented and addressed by your eye doctor. Not only will it help you be less frustrated, but it will help you feel safer, as well.

5. You Get Headaches Concentrated Around Your Eyes

Everyone has headaches from time to time, but sometimes they may be a symptom of a bigger problem. In some cases, headaches may signal problems with your eyesight. These types of headaches are usually concentrated at the front of your head and around your eyes.

Frontal headaches may mean that you:

  • Have a prescription that’s too strong
  • Need of reading glasses
  • Need progressive lenses

Sometimes headaches can point to a more serious vision problem. This could be due to a retinal tear or a lack of blood to the retina or optic nerve. 

Our eye doctors will be able to diagnose the problem as well as prescribe treatment. With comprehensive eye exams, they’ll be able to make note of the problem and reduce its effects much earlier than without them.

6. Night Driving Has Become More Difficult

Driving at night is already hazardous and difficulty seeing only makes it worse. This could be an issue of becoming farsighted as you get older, which can make seeing street signs even more difficult at night. You may also experience glare from oncoming traffic which can make it difficult to drive safely.

In these cases, comprehensive eye exams can help diagnose the problem and help fix it. This could be fixed with a stronger prescription and anti-glare coating for glasses. Those 50 years and older may be experiencing cataracts. Your eye doctor can develop a treatment plan to stave off their effects until surgery becomes necessary.

7. You’re Experiencing Other Vision Problems

You may experience other vision problems that need diagnosing and treatment. Some common issues include:

  • Wavy vision
  • Seeing halos
  • Double-vision

Wavy vision may occur when straight lines seem distorted or once-vibrant colors appear to be faded. This could signal AMD, which is when you begin to lose your central vision. Seeing halos and double-vision around lights may indicate cataracts. It can take years for symptoms to become apparent so comprehensive eye exams are essential for diagnosis and treatment. 

There are many signs that it’s time for your next comprehensive eye exam. Your first signal is if you can’t remember the last time you had one. Being at high risk for vision problems is also an important indicator. Even the time of year can be a signal as allergy season sets in. Your eye doctor can also use comprehensive exams to diagnose and treat problems like headaches, difficulty driving at night, and a host of other vision issues that may be bothering you.

Did this list confirm that it’s time for a comprehensive eye exam? If so, contact us today and we’ll get you scheduled!

Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice in Knoxville, TN, and Morristown, TN. Give us a call at 865-579-3920 for more information or to schedule an appointmen t.

Dry Eye & Allergies: How to Tell the Two Apart

October 29, 2026
Dry, itchy or watery eyes can make simple day to day activities quite uncomfortable, particularly if the symptoms are affecting your ability to read, work or enjoy time outside. The two most common causes of eye discomfort are dry eye disease and eye allergies. They can present in a very similar way so it's important to be able to differentiate between the two in order to know when you need to see an eye care professional. An eye examination at Baptist Eye Surgeons will help to establish the cause of your symptoms and will allow us to recommend the most appropriate treatment. What is the difference between dry eye and eye allergies? Dry eye disease is essentially the condition where your eyes either aren't producing enough tears or the tears produced are evaporating too quickly to adequately lubricate the surface of the eye. The result is typically irritation, redness, a gritty feeling and sometimes quite the opposite of what you'd expect in the form of excessive tearing. Eye allergies (allergic conjunctivitis) are basically your immune system reacting to an allergen (pollen, dust mites, mold, pet dander etc). The result of that reaction is the release of histamine and other mediators which can lead to itching, redness and swelling. As both conditions may result in red, watery and uncomfortable eyes, it's important to be able to recognize the specific symptoms in order to get to the root of the problem and find relief. Dry Eye vs. Allergies: Common Symptoms to Watch For Although there is some overlap between the two conditions there are certain symptoms which may help you to tell them apart. 1. Itchy Eyes vs. Burning and Grittiness One of the most obvious differences is the kind of discomfort you're suffering. Eye allergies are very much associated with intense itching (to the point where you're constantly itching the eyes) and with swelling of the eyelids. Dry eye disease is more likely to cause a burning, stinging sensation (as if something is in your eye) or a gritty feeling. Your eyes will often feel tired and/or irritated, particularly after reading, working at a computer or being in an air conditioned environment. 2. Watery Eyes and Excessive Tearing Both dry eye and allergies can lead to watery eyes, just that the mechanism is different in each case. With dry eye disease, irritation can trigger a reflex which results in an overproduction of watery tears. These tears may well be in fact more of a problem than a solution as they won't provide the sustained lubrication that your eyes require. With allergies you often get watery eyes along with itching, redness and swelling of the eyelids. These can become quite apparent after exposure to pollen, dust and so on. 3. Seasonal Symptoms and Environmental Triggers The timing of your symptoms can be of some use in terms of giving you a clue. Eye allergies are a common problem and tend to be worse at certain times of year (particularly when pollen counts are high). They can also occur year-round if you're exposed to indoor allergens such as dust mites and pet dander. Dry eye symptoms can occur all year round and can be made worse in dry, windy or air conditioned environments. Lengthy screen time, ageing, certain medications and some medical conditions may all contribute to dry eye disease. 4. How Symptoms Affect Both Eyes Allergic conjunctivitis will typically affect both eyes and is very often associated with quite marked itching. Dry eye can also affect both eyes, though the symptoms may be quite different in the two eyes. Neither pattern alone is definitive for determining the cause of eye irritation. How Are Dry Eye and Eye Allergies Diagnosed? An eye exam enables your eye care professional to assess your symptoms, take your medical history and look for any signs of irritation or inflammation. Depending on your symptoms, the testing may look at tear production, tear quality, tear evaporation and the surface of the eye. Your eye care professional may also look at environmental triggers and other conditions which may be playing a part in your symptoms. Accurate diagnosis is important as dry eye and allergies can require different treatments and in some cases both can be present at the same time. How can you find relief from eye irritation? Treatment is dependent on the etiology of your symptoms. Artificial tears may be of some help in the relief of dry eye discomfort, allergy medication or antihistamine eye drops may be of benefit in the management of allergic symptoms. Your eye care professional will be in a position to advise you on the most appropriate options for you. Don't rub your eyes and consider minimizing exposure to any known irritants/allergens. If the symptoms continue, get worse or keep coming back then you should have an eye exam rather than just carrying on treating them without knowing the actual cause. Get prompt medical attention for severe eye pain, sudden change in vision, intense light sensitivity or severe redness. Protecting Your Eye Health Knowing the difference between dry eye and allergies can go a long way to helping you understand your symptoms and get to the root of the problem so that you can take appropriate steps to alleviate them. The issue is that the two conditions can present with such similar symptoms that a proper assessment by a professional is often the only way to work out which one you actually have. If you are experiencing persistent itching, burning, redness, or watery eyes, schedule an appointment with Baptist Eye Surgeons. An eye care professional can help identify the source of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan to support your comfort and long-term eye health. 

What to Expect During Your First Eye Exam: A Step-by-Step Guide

September 22, 2026
A thorough eye exam is an important part of keeping your vision healthy and protecting your eyes. If you are arranging for your first eye examination as an adult, if you are taking a child in for an evaluation, or if you have noticed any changes in your vision, knowing what to expect can help make the experience more comfortable. The eye exams carried out at Baptist Eye Surgeons not only check your vision but also look at your general eye health and spot any possible problems that might call for further investigation. What is the Importance of Eye Examinations? An eye examination does not merely enable one to find out if glasses or contact lenses are required. It lets an eye care professional assess how well your eyes are working and spot the signs of common eye conditions.  Some eye conditions can progress slowly without symptoms. Regular eye checkups can help detect changes earlier and make sure you receive appropriate treatment when needed. Step by step: The Process Involved in Having an Eye Examination Even though the different appointments may vary according to your particular needs, a typical full eye examination will involve a number of significant steps. 1. An Examination of Your Medical & Eye History Your appointment may start with questions about your vision, medical history, medications, any previous eye conditions, and your family history of eye disease. Be sure to report any changes in your vision, eye discomfort, headaches, or other concerns you have noticed. Your eye care professional may also ask about the glasses or contact lenses you currently use and how well they work for you. 2. Checking Your Vision A well-known part of an eye examination is the visual acuity test. You might be asked to read some letters or symbols from a chart at a set distance. This lets doctors assess how clearly you can see and decide whether corrective lenses would help. Further testing could assess your ability to see up close and the way well your eyes work together. 3. The Measurement of Eye Health & Function Your eye care professional might carry out a number of tests in order to assess the health and functioning of your eyes. The tests involved may vary depending on your age, symptoms, and risk factors and could include measuring eye pressure, examining eye movement and coordination, and looking at the structures at the front and back of the eye. They can help spot possible signs of eye disorders. 4. Discussing Your Results Your ophthalmologist will review the results with you after the examination. If your vision has changed, they may suggest new prescription lenses. If they spot an eye condition or another issue, they could recommend further testing, further monitoring, or treatment. It is also a good chance to ask questions regarding your eye health and the recommended follow-up care. What Should You do to Get Ready for your First Eye Examination? Having an eye examination usually involves nothing complicated. It is a good idea to take with you your present glasses or contact lens details and to be ready to give a list of any medications as well as any applicable medical or family history. Additionally, it might be helpful to remember any vision changes or symptoms you have had. Dilation may occur during the examination if certain tests are performed. After dilation has been advised, your vision might be temporarily blurred or more sensitive to light. Supporting Healthy Vision The initial eye examination is a valuable chance to determine a baseline for your eye health and understand your specific vision needs. Regular eye exams help monitor changes over time and support early detection of possible eye conditions. Plan a visit with an eye care professional if you have discovered any changes in your vision or if you're due for a check-up.

Children’s Vision Milestones: What Parents Should Watch For

August 28, 2026
Healthy vision is essential for a child's development, learning, and daily activities. From recognizing faces in infancy to reading, participating in sports, and navigating school, children depend on their eyesight to interpret and relate to their environment. Knowing typical vision milestones helps parents spot possible issues and seek appropriate care when needed. How Does Vision Develop in Children? Vision develops rapidly during the first years of life. Newborns perceive light, shapes, and nearby objects, although their vision remains immature. As children mature, their capacity to focus, track moving objects, recognize details, and coordinate both eyes improves progressively. Due to the gradual nature of visual development, regular eye examinations are essential. Certain childhood vision problems may not be readily apparent, especially when one eye is stronger than the other. Although each child develops at an individual pace, several general vision milestones may guide parental observation. 1. Infants: Birth to 12 Months Within the first year, infants typically develop the ability to focus on faces and objects, visually track moving items, and reach for objects they observe. Caregivers may also observe infants responding to known faces and visually exploring their environment. If an infant does not track objects, exhibits eyes that frequently cross or wander, or fails to respond visually to people or objects, these concerns should be discussed with a pediatrician or eye care professional. 2. Toddlers: Ages 1 to 3 As children become more active, their visual skills continue to develop. Toddlers rely on vision to walk, climb, manipulate small objects, and interact with toys. Over time, they typically improve in identifying familiar people and objects and in coordinating eye and hand movements. Frequent eye rubbing, squinting, sitting close to screens, or difficulty seeing objects could indicate the need for an eye exam. 3. Preschool and School-Age Children By preschool and early elementary school, children utilize vision for detailed activities including coloring, drawing, letter recognition, reading, and participating in games. Effective eye coordination and focusing abilities support learning and classroom performance. Children may not always realize their vision differs from other children’s, so parents should watch for signs such as headaches, avoiding reading, losing their place while reading, holding books unusually close, or struggling to see the board. Signs of Possible Vision Problems Caregivers should monitor for changes in a child's vision or behavior. Potential warning signs include: Frequent squinting or eye rubbing Eyes that cross, wander, or do not move together Complaints of blurry or double vision Frequent headaches Difficulty reading or concentrating Sitting very close to a television or screen Tilting or turning the head to see Covering or closing one eye Difficulty recognizing objects or seeing at a distance Avoiding activities that require close or distance vision If you notice these signs, speak with a pediatrician or eye care professional. The Importance of Children’s Eye Exams Regular eye examinations can identify vision problems before they interfere with learning and development. Eye care professionals assess visual acuity, binocular coordination, and common childhood eye conditions. Early detection matters because some vision problems are easier to address when identified in childhood. Parents must follow their child’s healthcare provider's recommendations for vision screenings and comprehensive eye exams. Helping Protect Your Child’s Vision Caregivers can promote healthy vision by encouraging beneficial habits. These include spending time outdoors, taking regular screen breaks, using appropriate protective eyewear during activities, maintaining a balanced diet, and attending recommended pediatric and eye care appointments. Supporting Healthy Vision at Every Age Knowing children's vision milestones helps caregivers distinguish typical development and spot possible issues early. Throughout infancy and the school years, monitoring how a child sees, focuses, and interacts with their environment is vital for supporting healthy development.  If you notice concerns about a child's eyesight or alterations in vision, consult a healthcare provider or eye care professional. Early attention to vision supports learning, development, confidence, and overall quality of life.