Officials at Sterling Optical, based in Garden City, N.Y., compiled guidelines on questions one should ask oneself before visiting an optometrist:

-- Can you see far away objects clearly but find close up ones blurry? You could have hyperopia, or farsightedness. Other symptoms of hyperopia include eyestrain, headaches and excessive blinking.

-- What if your close up vision is fine but your distance vision is less than perfect? Myopia, or nearsightedness, could be to blame. Other symptoms of myopia include difficulty seeing clearly while driving, particularly at night, frequent squinting and difficulty seeing writing on signs and television.

-- If you're having difficulty seeing objects both near and far, you could have astigmatism. Other symptoms of astigmatism include inability to work on a computer, watery eyes and eye fatigue.

The American Optometric Association recommends eye exams within the first year of life, then again at age 3, before a child starts school, and then every two years. In general, the AOA recommends eye exams every two years for adults age 60 and under, and every year after age 60.

Higher risk people and those who wear contact lenses should see their optometrist more frequently.