Eye problems are often ignored in the sense that people put off getting eye exams until the time they need to get new eyewear for people who use glasses and contact lenses. For other people, the cost of eyecare is prohibitive or they underestimate the seriousness of the situation. The eyes also compensate for each other so it can be difficult to tell when there is a problem. Here are some common eye problems you should not ignore. Early detection and diagnosis are critical when it comes to halting the process of vision loss or deterioration.
Blurry vision
Blurred vision can indicate not only eye problems but also potential issues with the brain and high blood pressure. It can also be a side effect of migraines, as well as a symptom of diabetes and stroke or a host of other serious health issues that can eventually lead to blindness. Blurry vision should never be ignored.
Pressure or pain in the eyes
Pain or pressure in the eyes is one of the most common eye problems. It can be a symptom of an issue with your sinuses. It can also be a symptom of glaucoma which is an eye condition that occurs when pressure builds up inside the eye, damaging the optic nerve, and eventually leading to blindness. Pain can also be caused by headaches and migraines.
Excessive dryness or wetness
The eye’s moisture levels reveal what is happening to them. Dry eyes reveal that not enough tears are being produced. It can lead to inflammation and foggy vision. If other body or eye problems accompany the dryness you should speak to a doctor. Persistent eye wetness may signal an issue with the tear ducts and while it’s not serious, it can be annoying requiring minor surgery to fix it.
Sensitivity to light
Light sensitivity, also called photophobia can occur on its own or be part of a series of symptoms. It can be a symptom of pink eye, migraines, and autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and Sjogren’s syndrome among others like mononucleosis, sarcoidosis, and encephalitis.
Flashing lights and floaters
This often manifests as seeing spots in your vision or seeing faint strands floating around that seem to move away if you look at them. Sometimes there’s a shadow in your peripheral vision or a grey curtain moving across your field of vision. These eye problems can be signs of a detachment of the retina or retina tears. They may also be caused by blood in the eye. Unless it’s treated quickly, it can lead to blindness. Flashing lights are also experienced by people just before seizures and strokes.
Problems seeing or loss of vision in one eye
Eye problems can also involve problems seeing at night or the sudden loss of vision in one eye. Problems seeing at night, also referred to as nyctalopia or night blindness when experienced by people under the age of 30 maybe because of genetic retinal damage or diabetes. Sudden vision loss can be caused by age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma and may also signal other eye diseases and conditions. You should seek immediate medical attention in either case.
Persistent eye discomfort
If you experience persistent eye discomfort visit a doctor just to make sure there is no foreign object in the eye which could lead to an infection. You also should not ignore persistent eye discomfort if you wear contact lenses or have undergone any eye surgery in the recent past.
Eye problems, especially given the underlying potential of vision loss should be taken seriously. Better safe than sorry is the name of the game here.
Check out
Health: 7 Ways to care for your eyes
Health: Vision 20/20 – Taking Care Of Your Eyes
