- Medically Reviewed by Mr Mfazo Hove Consultant Ophthalmologist
- Author: Chris Dunnington
- Published: August 29, 2025
- Last Updated: August 31, 2025
Your eyes work tirelessly every single day; from the moment you wake up until you close them at night. Yet many of us only think about our vision when something feels wrong. The truth is, many serious eye conditions develop without any obvious symptoms, making regular eye tests crucial for maintaining both your sight and overall health. At Blue Fin Vision® Eye Clinic, recognised at the Top Recommended level in the Spears 2025 Health & Wellness Index, we believe in catching issues early when they’re most treatable.
Here are ten warning signs that suggest it’s time to book an eye test, along with expert guidance on what these symptoms might mean for your vision health:
Infographic: 10 Signs You Need an Eye Test
1. Blurred or Fuzzy Vision Is Making Daily Tasks Difficult
When text starts looking hazy or you find yourself squinting to see clearly, it’s your eyes telling you something needs attention. This can happen gradually with conditions like myopia or hyperopia, or suddenly due to more serious issues like retinal problems. A comprehensive eye test can determine whether you need a simple prescription update or if there’s an underlying condition requiring treatment.
Example: Many patients at our Harley Street clinic report improved productivity after correcting previously unnoticed vision changes that were causing eye strain during computer work.
2. Frequent Headaches, Especially After Visual Tasks
Eye strain headaches are more common than you might think, particularly for those working long hours on computers or reading extensively. When your eyes work overtime to compensate for vision problems, the surrounding muscles become fatigued, leading to tension headaches around your temples and forehead. These headaches often coincide with tasks requiring sustained focus.
Unique tip: If your headaches consistently occur after specific visual activities but not at other times, vision problems are likely the culprit.
3. Struggling to See Clearly at Night or in Low Light
Night vision problems can signal several conditions, from early cataracts to vitamin A deficiency. If you’re finding it increasingly difficult to drive after dark or navigate dimly lit spaces, this warrants professional assessment. Many patients don’t realise how much their night vision has declined until they have it properly tested.
Stat: Research shows that cataracts, which commonly cause night vision problems, affect over 50% of people over 65.
4. Increased Sensitivity to Light and Glare
Light sensitivity can range from mild discomfort in bright environments to severe pain when exposed to normal lighting. This symptom can indicate anything from dry eyes to more serious conditions like corneal problems or migraines. Don’t dismiss it as simply “getting older” because effective treatments are available.
Local relevance: London’s variable weather and indoor lighting conditions make light sensitivity particularly noticeable for many of our patients at Blue Fin Vision®.
5. Seeing Floaters, Flashes, or Halos Around Lights
Whilst occasional floaters are normal, a sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light requires immediate attention. These could indicate retinal detachment, which is a medical emergency. Halos around lights, particularly at night, often suggest developing cataracts or corneal issues.
Warning: If you experience a sudden shower of floaters accompanied by flashing lights, seek emergency eye care immediately to prevent potential permanent vision loss.
6. Double Vision or Objects Appearing Distorted
Double vision can affect one or both eyes and may indicate problems ranging from dry eyes to serious neurological conditions. When straight lines appear wavy or curved, this could signal macular degeneration or other retinal problems. These symptoms should never be ignored, regardless of your age.
Example: Early detection of macular degeneration at our clinics has helped numerous patients preserve their central vision through timely treatment.
7. Eye Strain and Fatigue After Computer Use
Digital eye strain has become increasingly common, affecting up to 70% of computer users. Symptoms include tired, burning eyes, difficulty focusing, and the feeling that your eyes just can’t work properly after screen time. This isn’t just modern life; it’s a treatable condition that proper eyewear and eye care can address.
Unique insight: Blue light filtering and computer-specific prescriptions have transformed comfort levels for many of our professional patients in London’s busy business district.
8. Difficulty Reading Small Print or Focusing on Close Objects
Age-related presbyopia typically begins affecting people in their 40s, making it harder to focus on near objects. However, sudden changes in near vision at any age can indicate other issues. If you’re holding books at arm’s length or struggling with menu text, it’s time for an assessment.
Tip: Modern lens technology offers numerous solutions beyond simple reading glasses, including progressive lenses and specialised computer glasses.
9. Changes in Colour Perception or Vision Quality
Noticing that colours seem less vibrant or appear different than before can indicate cataracts or retinal problems. Some patients describe colours as appearing “muddy” or “washed out”. These changes often happen so gradually that you may not notice until they’re quite advanced.
Professional insight: Advanced diagnostic equipment at Blue Fin Vision® can detect subtle colour vision changes before they significantly impact daily life.
10. Family History of Eye Disease or You're Over 40
Even without symptoms, certain risk factors make regular eye tests essential. If you have relatives with glaucoma, diabetes, or macular degeneration, you’re at higher risk and should have annual examinations. Similarly, everyone over 40 should have biennial tests to catch age-related changes early.
NHS guideline: Adults should have eye tests every two years, but those over 60 or with family history of glaucoma qualify for annual NHS-funded examinations.
Conclusion
- Blurred or fuzzy vision affecting daily tasks
- Frequent headaches linked to visual activities
- Night vision problems or difficulty in low light
- Increased sensitivity to light and glare
- New floaters, flashes, or halos around lights
- Double vision or distorted objects
- Digital eye strain and screen-related fatigue
- Trouble with reading or close-up work
- Changes in colour perception or vision quality
- Family history of eye disease or age over 40
Don’t wait until vision problems impact your quality of life. Which of these signs resonates most with your current experience? Book a comprehensive eye examination with Blue Fin Vision®’s expert team at our Harley Street, Weymouth Street, Chelmsford, or Hatfield locations.
Early detection and treatment can preserve your precious sight and ensure you continue seeing the world in all its clarity. Contact us today, your eyes will thank you for it.
