When it comes to eye health, most people are familiar with common symptoms like blurry vision, headaches, or eye strain. However, some symptoms are less obvious, and you may not immediately associate them with vision problems. If left unchecked, these subtler signs can lead to more severe issues.
At Accent Vision Specialists in Santa Fe, NM, we believe in comprehensive care. This includes educating our patients about the full spectrum of symptoms and their link to vision problems.
The Connection Between Your Vision and Health
Your eyes are more than just windows to the world; they are also windows to your overall health. Many systemic conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension, can manifest through vision-related symptoms. Therefore, recognizing less common symptoms that may indicate underlying vision issues is crucial.
Here are some symptoms that may relate to vision problems and how our team at Accent Vision Specialists can help.
1. Neck and Shoulder Pain
While neck and shoulder pain might not seem related to your eyes, these symptoms can indicate eye strain, particularly if you spend long hours working on a computer or reading. This condition, often called "tech neck," can occur when your eyes struggle to focus, causing you to hold your head awkwardly. This strain on your neck and shoulders can lead to discomfort and even chronic pain.
Accent Vision Specialists offer comprehensive eye exams that assess your vision and how your eyes function together. If eye strain is the cause of your neck and shoulder pain, we can prescribe corrective lenses, recommend ergonomic adjustments, and provide tips on reducing eye strain.
2. Difficulty with Night Driving
Night driving can be challenging, especially as we age, but if you find yourself increasingly anxious or struggling to see while driving at night, it could be more than just age-related changes. Issues like glare, halos around lights, and difficulty seeing road signs can indicate problems with your vision, such as cataracts, uncorrected refractive errors, or even early signs of glaucoma.
Our eye doctors in Santa Fe can diagnose the specific causes of your night driving difficulties. We can assess your eye health through advanced diagnostic tools and provide solutions such as anti-glare lenses, updated prescriptions, or treatments for underlying conditions.
3. Frequent Tripping or Bumping into Objects
If you find yourself frequently tripping over things, bumping into furniture, or misjudging distances, your vision could be to blame. This could indicate peripheral vision loss, depth perception issues, or even a more severe condition like retinitis pigmentosa.
We offer testing for peripheral vision and depth perception. If we identify a vision problem, we’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan that may include corrective lenses or referrals to specialists if necessary.
4. Dry Eyes and Headaches
Dry eyes are a common complaint, especially in arid environments like Santa Fe. However, persistent dry eyes coupled with headaches could indicate a more complex issue, such as digital eye strain, allergic reactions, or even an underlying autoimmune condition.
Our practice provides comprehensive evaluations for dry eyes, utilizing advanced technology to assess tear production and eye surface health. We offer a range of treatments to alleviate your symptoms and improve your comfort.
5. Sensitivity to Light
Increased sensitivity to light, known as photophobia, can be more than just a minor annoyance. We can associate it with various conditions, from migraines to eye infections or even more severe neurological issues.
Our team can help determine the cause of your light sensitivity through a thorough examination. Whether it’s adjusting your prescription, treating an underlying infection, or recommending lifestyle changes, we’re here to help you.
Why Choose Accent Vision Specialists?
Our approach is comprehensive and patient-centered, ensuring we address all aspects of your eye health. We understand that vision problems can manifest in unexpected ways. Our goal is to help you recognize and address these issues before they impact your quality of life.
Request an Appointment in Santa Fe, NM
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above or have concerns about your vision, don’t hesitate to reach out. Accent Vision Specialists is here to help you see clearly and live comfortably. Contact us to request your comprehensive eye exam and take the first step toward better eye health.