There is a common misconception that you don’t need to see an eye doctor as long as you have good eyesight. It may help to know that you still need to schedule regular eye exam appointments even if you have 20/20 vision. Doing so can help detect early indications of ocular diseases and prevent irreversible vision loss. 

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss. This degenerative eye condition affects the macula, the part of the retina responsible for sharp central vision. Along with regular visits to your optometrist, knowing more about AMD can help with its early detection. Treatment in its initial stages will help prevent irreversible vision changes. 

Light sensitivity or photophobia causes someone to experience difficulty seeing when it’s bright or sunny. While it does not usually cause permanent vision loss, it can make your eyes water or squint when exposed to bright light. Moreover, there is a common notion that blue eyes are more sensitive to the sun.  

Hyperopia or farsightedness is a common refractive error that affects five to 10 percent of the American population. People with this condition can see things far away clearly, but objects appear blurry when viewed up close. Prescription eyeglasses or contact lenses can usually correct this refractive error. 

During the night, various things can make you uncomfortable while driving, such as glare from headlights. Individuals who are suffering from cataracts and glaucomas are more sensitive to glare. Those with uncorrected refractive vision errors may experience worse symptoms due to the pupils’ tendency to increase in size at night and scattered light rays.