Eye Symptoms Not to Ignore

There are many reasons why someone may have mild eye symptoms, such as blurry vision or tired eyes. In many cases, eye symptoms only occur briefly and are not caused by anything serious, but it is also essential to know what types of symptoms not to ignore. Having any of the symptoms below does not necessarily mean you have a serious eye condition. Still, seeing an eye doctor is best to ensure your eyes are healthy. 

It is best to err on the side of caution and have the following symptoms checked out: 
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Sudden eye floaters or an increase in floaters 

Eye floaters appear as small dots, circles, specks, or lines that move across your field of vision. Floaters are tiny clumps of protein fibers that make up the vitreous in the back of the eyes. Usually, floaters are nothing serious, but, according to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, if you develop a lot of new floaters, it is best to have it checked out.  

Oversensitivity to light 

It is normal to squint when going from a dark environment into the sun. Some mild sensitivity to light is common, but severe sensitivity to light may possibly indicate eye problems, such as eye allergies, a corneal scratch or cataracts.  

Sudden distorted vision

Distorted vision involves straight lines of objects appearing as ripples or waves. This can occur with irregularities in the retina or cornea. Distorted vision can also mean blurry vision that does not clear up in a short time.   
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Headaches

Headaches are very common. In fact, most adults have headaches from time to time. There are also many causes of headaches that are unrelated to vision, but if you do not know the cause of your headaches, it is possible they can be due to problems with your eyes. For example, headaches can develop due to untreated astigmatism or glaucoma. 

Severe dry eyes

Dry eyes can develop due to a dry environment, as a side effect of certain medications, and from wearing contact lenses. Many cases of dry eyes are treatable with artificial tears, but in some instances, dry eye symptoms can become severe and significantly interfere with your quality of life. See an eye doctor if you have dry eye symptoms that do not respond to over-the-counter products. Prescription medication may help. 

Eye pain 

Most types of eye diseases do not cause pain, but in some cases, eye pain can indicate a problem. Eye pain may occur on the eye surface or in deeper structures. 

Surface eye pain may occur due to irritation or an infection. Pain in the deeper structure of the eye may occur due to increased pressure in the eyes. High eye pressure may occur due to glaucoma. 
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Eye injury 

Minor eye injuries, such as getting sand or dirt in your eyes, might be treatable at home by flushing the eye, but other types of eye injuries, such as a chemical splash, trauma to the eye, or a foreign body in the eye, may cause more serious damage. 

If you sustain an eye injury, seeing an eye doctor for an evaluation is best. Even mild injury can be more serious than you first suspect. 

Remember, if you have any type of eye symptoms that concern you or you have questions about, seeing an eye doctor is always a good idea.
  
If you would like to ask about whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors is appropriate at this time, please phone our office at 508-746-8600.