In our busy day-to-day lives, it’s easy to overlook our eye health. But our vision is one of our most vital senses—and any changes to it should never be ignored. Many people wait until symptoms become severe before booking an eye test, but early detection is key to maintaining long-term eye health.
If you’re experiencing any of the following signs, it means there are signs you might need an eye test—either at a local clinic or in the comfort of your home with services like Kind Sight’s Home Eye Tests.
1. Blurry Vision
Blurry vision is one of the most obvious indicators that your eyes need attention. If you find yourself squinting to read text, struggling to focus on distant objects, or experiencing general fuzziness, it’s likely time for an eye examination. This could be caused by refractive errors such as myopia (short-sightedness), hyperopia (long-sightedness), or astigmatism—all of which can be corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
2. Frequent Headaches
Headaches that occur regularly—especially after prolonged reading, screen time, or driving—could be a sign of eye strain. Vision problems often force the eye muscles to work harder, leading to tension headaches. If your headaches are focused around the temples or behind the eyes, don’t ignore them. A professional eye test can identify the issue and provide a solution, potentially eliminating the headaches altogether.
3. Difficulty Seeing at Night
Struggling with night driving or finding that dimly lit rooms feel even darker than before? Difficulty seeing in low-light environments could be a sign of deteriorating vision or an early symptom of cataracts. Night blindness (nyctalopia) can make everyday activities risky, so it’s best to have it checked by a qualified optician.
4. Increased Sensitivity to Light
If bright lights make you wince or cause discomfort, you may be experiencing photophobia—a symptom linked to several eye conditions including infections, corneal abrasion, or even migraines. It’s also common with untreated vision issues. A quick eye test can help pinpoint the problem and offer relief.
5. Relying Heavily on Digital Devices
Digital eye strain is real—and becoming more common due to our reliance on screens. If your eyes feel dry, irritated, or tired after working on a computer or scrolling on your phone, it could be a sign that your vision needs support. An eye test can determine if blue light filtering lenses or a new prescription is needed.
6. Changes in Vision Over Time
Have you noticed changes in how you see things? Maybe colours seem duller, or things you used to read easily are now difficult. These gradual changes often go unnoticed until they affect your quality of life. Annual or biennial eye tests help track and manage these shifts before they become serious.
7. Aging and Eye Health
As we age, the risk of developing eye conditions like glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and presbyopia increases. People over the age of 60 should have regular eye checks, even without symptoms. At Kind Sight, we provide NHS-funded eye tests at home for eligible patients, making it easy to monitor age-related vision changes.
8. Family History of Eye Conditions
If your parents or grandparents had vision problems or eye diseases, you might be at higher risk too. Conditions like glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration often run in families. Early detection through regular eye tests can help prevent or delay progression.
Home Eye Tests: Convenient and Professional
If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms above, but struggle to visit a high street optician, Kind Sight offers a convenient solution. Our Home Eye Test service brings fully qualified optometrists to your doorstep, equipped with professional tools and a range of frames.
Whether you’re eligible for a free NHS-funded eye test at home or simply prefer the comfort of a home visit, we make quality eye care accessible.
When to Book an Eye Test
Still unsure if you need a test? Here’s a quick checklist:
- Trouble reading or seeing distant signs
- Squinting often
- Frequent headaches or eye fatigue
- Increased sensitivity to light
- Holding books or screens too close/far
- Difficulty driving at night
If you ticked even one of these, it’s time to book an eye test.
📅 Book Your Eye Test Today
Kind Sight offers home eye tests across Leicester, Northampton, Kettering, and nearby towns. We work with both private patients and NHS-eligible individuals, making eye care simple, safe, and accessible.