Are you experiencing unusual swelling in one or both of your eyes? Swelling around the eyes can indicate irritation, infection, or other issues requiring attention. The same is true of bleeding, redness, watery discharge, double vision or blurred vision, or spots changing color or shape.
Sound scary? It shouldn’t. Most eye problems are correctable and only affect mild discomfort. Still, you should take action immediately if it’s an infection or otherwise damaging to your overall health.
Fortunately, you’ve landed on the right page! In this guide, you’ll discover signs of eye problems in children and adults and what to do about it.
1. Blurred Vision
Blurred vision is a common sign of eye problems such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. It can also be caused by eye conditions like cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. This also includes systemic diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
Blurred vision can be a sign of a serious medical problem and should be evaluated by a medical professional. Blurry vision can range from a mild blur to complete loss of vision.
2. Abrupt Eye Pain
Abrupt eye pain can be an indicator of serious eye health issues. Eye pain can affect any part of the eyeball, the eyelid, the area around the eyes, or even the entire eye area. Common signs of eye problems associated with abrupt eye pain include sudden changes in eyesight, a feeling of pressure behind the eyes, redness in the eyes, and sensitivity to light.
Pain in and around the eyes, especially when accompanied by any of the above-mentioned symptoms, should be evaluated by an eye doctor as soon as possible. Learn more on sharp eye pain or any eye pain by consulting your eye doctor.
3. Flashes of Light
Flashes of light can be a sign of an issue with your eyes. Flashes of light most commonly occur when your vitreous (a gel-like substance that fills the center of the eye) begins to shrink and separate from your retina. The movement of the vitreous puts stress on your retina and can cause flashes of light.
Although flashes of light can be normal, seeing them excessively or with other symptoms like floaters can be a sign of a medical condition such as a detached retina. If you experience this symptom, it is important to make an appointment with an eye doctor for further examination.
4. Sudden Onset of Floaters
The sudden onset of floaters in the eye is one of the most common signs of eye problems. Floaters are tiny pockets of proteins and other materials that form in the vitreous humor located in the eyeball. Floaters can be in the form of spots, lines, clouds, or cobwebs and can appear to be moving and drifting across the eye.
Common causes of floaters are age-related changes inside the eye and result from damage or deterioration of the vitreous or retina. Floaters can be symptoms of eye problems such as retinal tears or retinal detachment and should be evaluated immediately by a healthcare professional.
5. Light Sensitivity
Light sensitivity is a common sign of eye problems. This symptom can occur due to any number of issues, including natural aging, long-term use of prescribed eye drops, chronic dry eyes, cataracts, and even allergies. When dealing with light sensitivity, a person may experience squinting, eyes that become watery or teary, or headaches.
With light sensitivity, it can be difficult to go out in public or stare at a computer for long periods, as even the brightness of indoor lighting may be uncomfortable. Additionally, bright sunlight can feel unbearable, to the point of making daily activities unbearable.
6. Headaches
Headaches are a common symptom of various eye problems. The pain is usually located around the temples or forehead and can sometimes spread to the neck and even behind the eyes. Headaches can also be indicative of other underlying issues, such as sinus issues or glaucoma.
At times, eye problems may cause a decrease in vision, ranging from blurry vision to a sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes. Conditions such as eye strain, dry eyes, cataracts, and problems related to the cornea can manifest with headaches as common symptoms.
7. Eye Irritations
Eye irritations are among the most common signs of eye problems. This can range from redness and dryness to itching, burning, and watery eyes. Allergies, infections, and underlying diseases can sometimes contribute to eye irritations, and these may require medical attention to identify and treat.
People with irritations should avoid rubbing their eyes, as this could make symptoms worse. Additionally, the use of contact lenses can irritate.
It may be necessary to switch to glasses or use contact lens solutions to eliminate discomfort. It’s better to get a regular check-up to optimize your eye health.
8. Red, Swollen Eyes
Red swollen eyes are a common sign of eye-related problems. They may be a result of a wide range of factors, from allergies to a more serious issue, such as an eye infection. Eye inflammation, which results from infection or irritation, can cause the eyes to become red, swollen, and painful.
In more serious cases, vision may be impaired, and the patient may experience eye discharge, tearing, or itching. Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is often a red, swollen eye symptom that can quickly spread to the other eye or other individuals.
9. White Spots in Pupil
White spots in the pupil can be indicative of various forms of eye issues, from mild to more serious problems. In some cases, white spots in the pupil can be a symptom of a benign condition, “Heterochromia.” Which is caused by small alterations in eye tissue.
Additionally, white spots have been known to be signs of more serious eye issues such as glaucoma, iritis, cataracts, and other conditions. To determine the underlying cause, many healthcare professionals will utilize Eye Charts to assess the patient’s vision and look for any abnormalities in the optical pathways. It is essential to have a good eye care routine for your overall health.
Be Aware of the Signs of Eye Problems
Eye health is essential. Keep up with regular visits to your local optometrist to ensure your eye problems are caught early. Aching, blurry vision, itching, or any other common signs of eye problems should be reported to a physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Vision problems are very common, especially in aging people. Take preventative action today and protect your eyes!
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