5 Signs You're Overdue for an Eye Exam (Even If You Think Your Vision's Fine)
Let's be honest: booking an eye exam isn't at the top of anyone's to-do list.
If you're between the ages of 19 and 64 in Alberta, your eye exams aren't covered by Alberta Health, making it easy to put them off year after year. After all, if your vision still seems okay, why bother seeing an optometrist, right?
Here's the thing: just because your vision seems clear doesn't mean your eyes are healthy. A lot can be going on under the surface. At Helio Optometry, we see it all the time—patients who thought they were fine until we uncovered something their eyes had been trying to tell them all along.
Here are five subtle but important signs it's time to book a routine eye exam at a trusted optometrist clinic in Edmonton.
1. You get headaches, especially late in the day
Frequent headaches, particularly toward the end of the day, are often your eyes' way of telling you they're overworked. If you're staring at screens for hours or switching between multiple devices, your eyes are constantly adjusting focus. Over time, this extra work leads to fatigue and discomfort.
It could be that your eyeglass prescription is slightly off, or you're dealing with uncorrected astigmatism or digital eye strain. Many adults in their 30s and 40s start to experience subtle near vision changes that require different lens support—something basic reading glasses or outdated glasses just won't fix.
Our optometrist clinic offers customized lens solutions, including Hoya Sync III lenses, designed specifically for people who spend long hours on computers. Booking an eye exam is the first step to identifying the root cause of your headaches—and fixing it for good.
2. You're squinting at screens or signs
Squinting is one of the most common and overlooked signs that your eyes are struggling. Whether it's your phone screen, a menu, or street signs at night, squinting is a red flag that your prescription has likely changed—or that you're missing one altogether.
Your eyes are trying to sharpen focus the hard way. Over time, that constant strain can lead to blurred vision, eye fatigue, and even tension in your neck and shoulders. Many people adapt to worsening vision without realizing it because it happens gradually. That's precisely why a routine eye exam is so important.
During a routine eye exam at Helio Optometry, our optometrists will check your distance and near vision, examine how your eyes work together, and prescribe the right eyeglasses or contact lenses to relieve the need to squint.
3. Your eyes feel tired, dry, or gritty
If your eyes feel dry, tired, or like they have sand in them, especially in the evening or after a long day of work, you're not alone. This is one of the top complaints we hear in our optometry clinic.
Dry eye symptoms can be caused by long hours on digital devices, low blink rates, indoor heating or cooling, and even poorly fitted contact lenses. But sometimes, it's due to a deeper issue with the tear film or oil glands in the eyelids.
Our optometrists use advanced diagnostic tools to evaluate the quality of your tears and assess the health of your ocular surface. If needed, we'll recommend dry eye treatments or adjust your glasses or contact lens prescription to improve comfort and reduce irritation.
Ignoring dry eye symptoms can lead to inflammation, blurry vision, and a drop in overall quality of life, especially if you rely on clear vision for work or driving. Don't wait until your eyes are constantly bothering you.
4. You've had the same glasses for 3+ years
Eyeglasses aren't meant to last forever. If you've had the same pair of glasses for more than three years, chances are your prescription is no longer accurate. Even minor shifts in your vision can make a big difference in how you feel and how well you see.
In our optometry clinic, we often see patients who didn't realize how much clearer and sharper their vision could be until they updated their lenses. Over time, wearing the wrong prescription—even slightly—can lead to increased eye strain, slower reading, and poor night vision.
Plus, new lens coatings, blue light filtering, and digital surfacing technologies mean today's eyeglasses can offer more comfort and protection than ever before. If you wear contact lenses, the same rules apply. Your eyes change, and so should your lenses.
During your eye exam, we'll assess your current eyewear and recommend the best solution to match your vision and lifestyle needs.
5. You've never had an eye health scan
Many eye diseases don't show symptoms until the damage is already done. Conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, retinal thinning, and diabetic retinopathy can develop quietly—and the earlier we catch them, the better your long-term outlook.
If you've never had an OCT scan or ultra-widefield retinal imaging, you could be missing critical insights into your eye health. These scans allow us to look beneath the surface of the eye, detecting issues far earlier than traditional tools alone.
At Helio Optometry, every routine eye exam includes:
Optomap ultra-widefield retinal imaging to view the back of the
Eye pressure testing
Doctor-led discussions to help you understand your results and options
It's not just about updating your glasses—it's about understanding and protecting your eyes.
Don't Wait Until It's Urgent
At Helio Optometry in Edmonton, we believe that eye exams should feel informative, comfortable, and empowering. Your eyes are your most used tool—don't wait until something feels wrong to give them the attention they deserve.
Book your routine full-scope eye exam with us today and experience the difference that expert care, advanced technology, and personalized service can make. Book Your Eye Exam at Helio Optometry Today!
Disclaimer: The content provided in this blog post by Helio Optometry eye care clinic in West Edmonton is intended solely for informational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment by a Licensed Optometrist. No doctor/patient relationship is established through the use of this blog. The information and resources presented are not meant to endorse or recommend any particular medical treatment or guarantee and outcome. Readers must consult with their own healthcare provider regarding their health concerns. Helio Optometry and its optometrists do not assume any liability for the information contained herein nor for any errors or omissions. Use of the blog's content is at the user's own risk, and users are encouraged to make informed decisions about their health care based on consultations with qualified professionals.
