Common Eye Symptoms Many Ignore, But Why You Shouldn't

It's easy to ignore some minor eye symptoms, such as occasional blurriness or a floater. Often, these symptoms may seem like no big deal, and you simply brush them off. 

It's true that occasional floaters or blurry vision may not indicate any issue, but certain eye symptoms can also be early warning signs that something is wrong. Knowing what to watch for can help you catch problems earlier and get proper treatment. 
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Why people may ignore eye symptoms 

Some people may ignore eye symptoms because they come and go and do not seem serious.  Many people associate problems with pain. If pain is absent, someone may assume nothing is wrong. 

Typical reasons why people may delay seeking care for eye symptoms include the following:

• Thinking it's part of the natural aging process
• A busy schedule
• Assuming it's nothing serious
• Lack of understanding about what's concerning versus what is normal
• Waiting a little longer to see if symptoms go away on their own 

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Eye symptoms you should have checked out 

Although the symptoms below may not indicate anything serious, it's still best to have them checked out by an eye doctor. It's always better to err on the side of caution and protect your vision. 

Eye symptoms you shouldn't ignore include: 

Intermittent blurred vision: Blurred vision that comes and goes can be caused by eye strain; however, it can also be an early symptom of cataracts.

New floaters or seeing flashes of light: Eye floaters from time to time are normal. However, sudden increases in floaters or flashes of light can signal a retinal detachment or tear. This requires immediate medical evaluation.
 
Loss of peripheral vision: A gradual loss of peripheral vision is not a normal age-related change in vision, but it can be an early warning sign of glaucoma. Early identification of glaucoma is vital to help slow the progression and preserve as much vision as possible. 

Double vision: True double vision is never normal. This involves seeing two images when there is only one. Double vision should always be evaluated by an eye doctor. It can indicate nerve problems, neurological conditions, or issues with eye muscle coordination. 

A sore or bump on the eyelid or near the eye that does not heal: Skin changes around the eye may be subtle, and you may not even notice them initially. Usually, bumps around the eye, such as a stye or a blocked oil gland, will resolve in a few weeks. A growth that does not heal after a few weeks could indicate skin cancer and requires evaluation. 
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Quick glance: What is likely normal versus what needs evaluation 

This quick reference chart indicates what symptoms may be normal versus what is concerning and needs evaluation by an eye doctor. 
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Symptoms	Normal	Needs Evaluation
Floaters	Occasional, present for years​	Sudden increase
Blurred vision	Temporary, associated with screen time ​	Persistent and worsening
Bumps	A stye	Doesn't heal after 2 or 3 weeks or grows
Changes in vision	Needing reading glasses after 40, however, this still should be evaluated an eye doctor	Peripheral vision loss even if slight ​​
Double vision ​​	Temporary distorted vision associated with screen time that resolves quickly	True double vision, seeing two images of one object ​​

Comprehensive eye exams are essential for overall eye health and vision preservation. Comprehensive eye exams can detect eye diseases, allowing proper treatment to begin. The difference between getting treatment early and not getting treatment early may be preserving vision or vision loss. 

If you are between comprehensive exams and develop concerning symptoms, don't wait until your next exam to discuss the problem. If you would like to schedule an eye appointment with one of our eye doctors, please call our office at 508-746-8600.