Many people visit optometrists on a regular basis to get new prescriptions for glasses and contacts. Going to the optometrist is an important way to maintain good vision, and they can check for common eye diseases during your visits. However, there also comes a time when you need to visit an ophthalmologist that offers more intensive forms of eye care. Ophthalmologists undergo special training to learn how to perform surgeries and other procedures for treating serious eye conditions. Watching out for these three signs of serious eye problems helps you know when to reach out for care.

You See Sudden Flashes of Light

Unless you’re watching fireworks, you shouldn’t experience seeing random flashes of light. This symptom is often a sign of a retinal tear or detachment that needs treatment right away. Although retinal detachments can cause permanent vision loss, repairs tend to have a good success rate in nine out of ten cases. Naturally, you’ll want to visit the best ophthalmologist possible to ensure that you have a good outcome. Visiting an eye doctor that offers the latest research-based treatments using state-of-the-art equipment means that you’ll have the best chances of a successful recovery.

You Experience Signs of an Infection

By the time you reach adulthood, you may have already experienced a round of pink eye. Unfortunately, there are some eye infections that are even more serious than a common case of conjunctivitis. In some cases, dry eyes can lead to corneal abrasions that turn into infections. Or, you might be dealing with a contacts-related infection that needs treatment to prevent it from spreading. Visiting an eye doctor can help you determine the cause of the infection along with the best methods for treatment. In most cases, you’ll likely use prescription eye drops to restore your health, but visiting a Brooklyn, NY ophthalmology clinic also gives you access to intravitreal injections for more extensive conditions.

You Receive a New Long-Term Health Diagnosis

After hearing that you have diabetes or heart disease, one of the last things you might think about are your eyes. However, many chronic health conditions can lead to long-term eye health issues. A diabetes diagnosis alone places you at risk for developing diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, glaucoma and macular edema. When you visit an ophthalmology clinic, your doctor can perform a thorough exam of your eye that includes imaging tests to identify your current state of eye health. If you already have a condition developing, then they’ll recommend the best course of treatment to halt its progress. People with healthy eyes also benefit from having baseline results that their doctor can compare future imaging tests to.

While some eye conditions develop gradually, they all tend to have the best prognosis when they are identified early. With many eye diseases, waiting too long can lead to permanent vision changes. If you notice unusual symptoms, then make sure to mention it when you call for your appointment. The office team will evaluate your symptoms to determine if it represents an emergency, so that you can see the eye doctor right away.