Top 5 Signs of Deteriorating Eye Health

Caring for your eyes can make a significant difference in your overall well-being. Monitoring eye and vision changes through regular comprehensive eye exams can minimize your chances of vision loss. The CDC estimates more than 21 million Americans have vision problems. 

Warning Signs of an Eye Problem

Eyes are not exempt from the wear and tear of aging. But how do you determine whether an eye problem is a nuisance or the beginning of something serious? Timely diagnosis and treatment of eye conditions can help preserve your vision.

Even if you have a non-vision-threatening eye condition, timely treatment can help keep your eyes sharp and comfortable. The following signs of deteriorating eye health warrant a call to your eye doctor.

A Shadow, Floaters, or Flashing Lights in Your Vision

A noticeable increase in these anomalies in your field of vision could be a sign of deteriorating eye health. Perhaps, you have a retinal detachment or tear. Physical injury to the eye, myopia, and conditions like glaucoma are risk factors for a detached retina. 

 

Unless addressed quickly, this condition can lead to permanent vision loss or even blindness. Visit your eye doctor immediately if you notice any detached or torn retina symptoms to preserve your vision. 

 

That said, you may see flashes of light occasionally as you age. That is normal and usually harmless. Rare episodes of flashing lights do not require emergency intervention. However, you should bring them to your eye doctor’s attention. A comprehensive eye exam will determine whether your symptoms indicate a significant problem. 

Eye Pain

Some eye conditions are painless, but others result in eye pain. For example, high pressure in the eye due to glaucoma typically leads to pain. Angle-closure glaucoma, in particular, is a rare but severe form of glaucoma that can cause excruciating eye pain. 

You may also experience eye pain due to a corneal abrasion. Other symptoms include blurred vision, headaches, and sensitivity to light. So, it is best to call your eye doctor immediately if you experience persistent eye pain to prevent irreversible vision loss.

Sudden Vision Loss

Vision loss, especially in one eye, could indicate a blockage in the small veins or arteries in the eye. You should see your eye doctor immediately or visit an emergency room if you experience sudden vision loss. After all, this problem may be an early symptom of a stroke. 

Red Eye

Having one red eye is probably more serious than having both eyes red simultaneously, which could be a sign of allergies or a cold. Scleritis can occur in one or both eyes. Some forms of this condition can be problematic, leading to severe eye pain, swelling of the sclera, eye tenderness, excessive tearing, blurred vision, and extreme sensitivity to light. 

A red eye could also be a sign of uveitis, an inflammation inside the eyeball. It can affect one or both eyes and damage vital eye tissue, leading to eye pain, vision changes, and other symptoms.

Discomfort When You Wear Contact Lenses

When you follow the proper rules for contact lens care and use, you should not experience any problems. But infections can occasionally occur, making it uncomfortable or impossible to wear contacts. In severe cases, they can cause vision loss or even blindness. So, seek immediate treatment if you notice symptoms of an infection.

 

Many eye conditions are relatively minor, such as mild myopia. But others can lead to vision loss without proper intervention, such as macular degeneration, glaucoma, and cataracts. That is why eye doctors recommend regular comprehensive eye exams. 

For more eye health tips, contact Special Eye Care at our Camp Springs, Maryland office. Call (301) 298-3241 to schedule an appointment today.