Eye care is an essential part of maintaining good health and overall well-being. But unfortunately, many people neglect their eyes and suffer from various eye diseases. Some of these are simple, but they can lead to serious problems such as blindness in the long run.
In addition, dark spots often appear under both eyes due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, especially during the second trimester. Some women experience puffiness due to fluid retention in body tissues, skin tissues around the face area, and eyelids.
For example, Glaucoma is a common disease that causes high pressure inside the eye leading to vision loss if left untreated.
According to the CDC, 93 million adults are at high risk of vision loss, but only 50% have visited an ophthalmologist in the past year. You should not be one of them. Below are some alarming symptoms which should not be ignored, and you should immediately visit an ophthalmologist for a quick eye checkup.
Vision changes
Blurred vision, or the inability to see clearly, is a symptom of many eye conditions. Sometimes, it can also be caused by a stroke or migraine. Some common eye problems which cause vision changes are discussed below.
- Cataracts are cloudy masses in front of the lens, which cause blurry vision, but they can be treated effectively through surgery or laser treatment.
- Another problem that causes vision changes is Glaucoma. It is caused due to increased pressure within the eyeball that damages the optic nerve and leads to loss of vision over time.
- Macular degeneration occurs when part of the macula, the central portion of our retina responsible for detailed central vision, is destroyed by ageing.
However, surgery or laser treatment is not possible immediately because the patient’s overall health needs to be considered. Till then, you can wear glasses to see clearly. Therefore, you would want to search for optometrists in your area to get those perfect glasses immediately. To find one, you can google “eye glass store near me” or ask for recommendations from friends or relatives.
Some optometrists understand your situation and provide your glasses on the same day. Thus, look out for optometrists who can only provide you with the same day.
Eye pain or discomfort
Pain or discomfort in your eyes can be a sign of several eye conditions, including dry eye, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and Glaucoma. In addition, the symptoms are often described as either sharp or dull. Sharp pain is usually caused by a foreign object or injury to the cornea, while dull pain typically indicates an underlying condition.
The causes of eye pain can vary from one person to another. Common causes include dryness and allergies, but it could also indicate other medical issues such as diabetes, high blood pressure, tumours, and more serious conditions like cataracts. In addition, sometimes medication side effects like headaches may be felt around the eyes.
Drooping eyelid (ptosis)
If you are experiencing a drooping eyelid, it could be a sign of thyroid disease. Thyroid disease is common in adults and can lead to various medical conditions like high cholesterol and heart disease. If left untreated, it can result in death.
According to American Thyroid Association, around 20 million Americans are suffering from some or other form of thyroid issues. But, unfortunately, out of these, only 60% of them are aware of their problem.
Thyroid disease is more prevalent among women. Almost one-third of American women have been diagnosed with an abnormal thyroid function test at some point during their lives. So if you’re experiencing symptoms like these or feeling tired all the time, facing problems in vision, consult your doctor immediately.
Floaters or flashes in your vision
Floaters are specks, dots, or strands in your field of vision. They’re usually harmless, but they can be a sign of retinal detachment and require immediate attention from an eye doctor.
Floaters are caused by deposits in the back of your eye, the vitreous humour and are often harmless and temporary. However, they may also indicate more serious diseases like retinal detachment, which occurs when the retina separates from its normal position at the back of your eye due to inflammation or trauma such as cataract surgery.
Seeing halos around lights
Seeing halos around lights is the most common symptom of Glaucoma. It occurs when there is damage to the optic nerve, which results in the loss of vision and changes in color perception. Seeing halos is usually a sign that you should see an eye doctor as soon as possible. While this is one of the first symptoms of Glaucoma, it can also occur with other conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Glaucoma can be irreversible in maximum cases, and when left untreated or ignored for a prolonged period, it can lead to permanent vision loss. Therefore, getting it diagnosed and treated before you become a financial burden on people due to vision loss is advised.
According to WHO, problems in vision pose a huge financial burden on the global economy. The loss associated with vision impairment is estimated to be $411 billion globally.
Sudden blurry vision
When you notice that the world around you suddenly looks a little less clear than it used to, it’s time to visit the eye doctor. Many different things can cause this symptom. First, mention whether other symptoms like aches or pain in the affected eyes or any change in color vision accompany your eye problem.
Redness, burning, or itchy eyes
When you experience redness, burning, or itching in your eyes, it can be a sign of an eye infection. Redness is usually the first symptom to appear and will typically become more noticeable when exposed to light or after rubbing your eyes.
When experiencing discomfort from dry eyes, it’s important to remember that this can happen even if you’re not experiencing any other symptoms. Dryness can make it difficult for individuals to wear their contact lenses comfortably, often resulting in blurry vision, irritation, and pain.
Eye allergies are another common cause of eye redness among adults because they cause swelling around the eyes, which makes them appear redder than normal. But, again, knowing and taking early treatment is better than a late one. If you observe any of the symptoms mentioned above, something is wrong with your eye health, and you should go to an ophthalmologist immediately.
The best thing to do is to get regular eye checkups, so there is no delay in treating the problem when it occurs.
Takeaway
Remember, if you experience any of these symptoms and suspect something is wrong with your eyes, it’s time for an eye checkup. It may mean an optometrist or ophthalmologist, who can determine whether or not an eye exam is warranted or even necessary. The sooner you start treatment for whatever condition you may have, the better off you’ll be, and that goes for any health issue.
Ellen Diamond did her degree in psychology at the University of Hertfordshire. She is interested in mental health, wellness, and lifestyle.
