If you’re meticulous about staying on top of your healthcare, you probably already know that it’s a good idea to regularly visit an optometrist for routine care like getting your yearly eye exam done, getting glasses and contacts or getting prescriptions. However, you might not know that for more serious eye conditions that need medical and even surgical attention, you’ll have to visit an ophthalmologist. Whether you need an ophthalmologist Virginia Beach VA or somewhere else, these highly trained doctors specialize in vision and eye care and can help you address some deeper medical issues. If you’re wondering whether you might need to schedule a visit, here are three conditions that you’ll need to see an ophthalmologist for.

1. You’re Over 40 Years Old

Your age isn’t a health condition, but getting older can often have a detrimental impact on your vision. If you’re past the age of 40, you’re more likely to experience conditions such as macular degeneration, glaucoma and so on. To check up on your eye health and diagnose any conditions early on, regular visits are a good idea.

2. You Have an Eye Infection

It might be tempting to brush off an eye infection as a minor annoyance, but infections often need to be treated immediately. Some have even been known to cause complications such as blindness. If your eye infection is worsening, seek ophthalmologist treatment right away.

3. You Notice a Change in Vision

If your vision has suddenly changed, get professional help as soon as possible. Changes like sudden blurriness, double vision or loss of vision could indicate deeper health problems that need urgent care.

When basic eye exams and prescriptions aren’t enough, a visit to the ophthalmologist may be in order. If you notice symptoms of any of these conditions or are past the age of 40, consider talking to your doctor and booking an appointment. It could make a big difference in your vision down the road.