Common Eye Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Detecting and treating eye conditions early can help to prevent vision loss. Unfortunately, many eye conditions do not have symptoms in the early stages. Getting regular comprehensive eye exams helps to detect eye and vision issues.
 

Aging increases the risk of developing severe eye issues such as age-related macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and glaucoma. Here are common eye symptoms you should not ignore.
 

Swelling or Extreme Redness

Red and swollen eyes are often attributed to fatigue, hangovers, and other activities. However, if your eyes are swollen and red, it could be due to various eye conditions. Some may be easier to treat, such as conjunctivitis and dry eye syndrome, while others are more serious.
 

You should get your eyes checked to rule out serious conditions such as scleritis or uveitis. The symptoms can be due to injury or infection.
 

Sudden Blurry Vision

If you experience sudden changes or distortions in your vision, you should not ignore the symptoms. Blurry or fuzzy vision can be a symptom of macular damage and other serious eye conditions.
 

Most people fail to notice this symptom when blurry vision is in one eye as the other compensates. Sudden blurriness can be a symptom of a cataract, retinal detachment, or diabetic retinopathy. It can also signify an impending stroke.
 

Increase in Floaters and Flashes

Floaters are squiggly lines or dots that appear in your line of sight when you look at a white wall. In most cases, floaters and flashers are normal, especially as people age. However, a sudden increase can be due to retinal detachment, a condition that requires emergency care.
 

Sudden floaters and flashes can be symptoms of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD). Getting immediate medical care can help to save your vision.
 

Experiencing Double Vision

Double vision can occur in one or both eyes. If double vision is in one eye, it is called monocular diplopia and is usually less concerning. If it is in both eyes, it is binocular diplopia, which is more serious.
 

Double vision can be due to dry eye syndrome. It can also be an early sign of cataracts or age-related eye changes. If you experience double vision, you should visit the emergency room as soon as possible. It could be a sign of a stroke, aneurysm, or brain tumor.
 

Straight Objects Appear Wavy

If straight objects look bent or distorted, it could be a symptom of age-related macular degeneration. If you look at your door frame and it looks wavy, you should not ignore the symptom.
 

You may also notice a blank spot or blurry area in your center vision, and bright colors appear faded. These can be symptoms of macular degeneration, and they usually appear in the later stages. If you have a family history of the condition, seek immediate care.
 

Unexplained Eye Pain

If you experience sudden eye pain with no apparent cause, you should seek immediate medical care. The pain could be due to a scratched cornea, dry eyes, or internal bleeding. Sudden pain can be a sign of glaucoma, a severe eye condition that causes vision loss.
 

If the pain is accompanied by pressure around the eye, it could be due to cornea swelling. If you have skin tingling, the pain could be a symptom of shingles. Severe eye problems do not usually cause pain, which means symptoms are often ignored.
 

For more information on common eye symptoms that you should not ignore, visit STC Optometry. Our office is in Scarborough, Ontario M1P 4P5. Call (647) 361-5600 to book an appointment today.

https://www.optometrists.org/general-practice-optometry/guide-to-eye-health/8-do-not-ignore-warning-signs-of-serious-eye-problems/
 

https://www.everydayhealth.com/vision-center/9-serious-vision-symptoms-to-watch-out-for.aspx