General Eye Care,Uncategorized

Do your eyes feel tired, blurry, or strained after work, gaming, or long hours on your phone? You’re not alone. Millions of Americans experience these symptoms, but many don’t realize they’re warning signs of something more serious.

At Sweeney Eye Associates, with convenient offices in Richardson and Sunnyvale, Texas, our doctors help patients every day who delayed care until their symptoms became disruptive. The good news? Recognizing the red flags early can protect your vision for years to come.

Why Regular Eye Exams Are Essential

Clear vision isn’t just about reading a menu or seeing a road sign. It’s about independence, safety, and quality of life. Watch the video below as Dr. Vincent Venincasa explains the importance of getting regular eye exams:

Routine eye exams allow our specialists to detect:


5 Red Flags You Should Never Ignore

1. Blurry or Distorted Vision

If you’re squinting to see road signs around Richardson or struggling to read your phone clearly, it may be more than fatigue. Possible causes include:

  • Refractive errors (nearsightedness, astigmatism)
  • Eye fatigue from screen time
  • Diabetes or high blood pressure

Key takeaway: Don’t wait until vision loss becomes permanent.


2. Headaches Behind the Eyes

Frequent headaches—especially after screen time—are often linked to uncorrected vision problems. They can trigger:

  • Tension headaches
  • Migraines
  • Eye strain fatigue

Key takeaway: If headaches are disrupting work or daily life, book an exam.


3. Eye Pain or Discomfort

Dryness, burning, or stabbing sensations are your body’s way of saying something’s wrong. Common causes:

  • Digital eye strain
  • Eye infections
  • Inflammation (uveitis)
  • Chronic Dry Eye Syndrome (common in North Texas)

Key takeaway: Pain is never normal. If drops don’t help, schedule an exam.


4. Trouble Seeing at Night

Halos, glare, or poor night vision may point to cataracts or other conditions. Other causes include:

  • Vitamin A deficiency
  • Reduced contrast sensitivity
  • Uncorrected refractive errors

5. Digital Eye Strain from Work or Gaming

Remote work, gaming, and screen-heavy jobs are fueling record levels of digital eye strain. Symptoms include:

  • Dry or irritated eyes
  • Blurred vision that comes and goes
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Neck and shoulder pain

Key takeaway: Our doctors may recommend blue light lenses, updated prescriptions, or lifestyle adjustments to protect your vision.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

How often should I have an eye exam?
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) recommends adults with no symptoms or risk factors have a comprehensive eye exam every 1–2 years starting at age 40.

The American Optometric Association (AOA) also suggests annual exams for patients who wear glasses, contacts, or have a family history of eye disease.

According to the AAO, digital devices do not cause permanent damage to your eyes. However, they can lead to digital eye strainalso called computer vision syndrome, which causes dryness, blurred vision, headaches, and neck pain.

A 2021 study in BMJ Open Ophthalmology confirmed that higher screen use is strongly associated with increased dry eye symptoms.

Halos around headlights or streetlights may signal early cataracts or other vision problems. The AAO explains that halos can also be linked to astigmatism, dry eye syndrome, or corneal swelling.

Blue light is a high-energy visible (HEV) light emitted from screens, LED lighting, and sunlight. The AAO states there’s no evidence that blue light from screens causes permanent eye damage.
Source: https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/should-you-be-worried-about-blue-light

However, Harvard Health notes that evening blue light exposure may interfere with melatonin and circadian rhythm, making blue light filters or lenses useful for comfort.
Source: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/blue-light-has-a-dark-side

It depends on your needs. Optometrists (ODs) provide routine and comprehensive eye exams, write prescriptions for glasses and contacts, and manage conditions like glaucoma, dry eye or infections. Ophthalmologists (MDs) are medical doctors who diagnose and treat complex eye diseases and perform surgery (like Cataract, Refractive Lens Exchange or LASIK).

At Sweeney Eye Associates, you have access to both—ensuring complete eye care from routine exams to advanced surgical solutions.

Protect Your Vision Today

Your eyes are sending you signals. If you’ve noticed headaches, halos, or hazy vision, don’t wait until symptoms worsen.

Locations in Richardson and Sunnyvale
Richardson: (214) 983-2020 | Sunnyvale:(972) 285-8966"> (972) 285-8966

Clearer, more comfortable vision starts with one appointment.