Your eyes are your windows to the rest of the world, and certain symptoms can signal underlying issues. While some may be minor and temporary, others require prompt medical attention. Knowing when to seek professional help is crucial for protecting your vision. Here’s a guide to common eye symptoms and what they could mean.
1. Blurry Vision
Potential Causes:
Temporary: Dry eyes, fatigue, or incorrect glasses prescription.
Serious: Cataracts, glaucoma, or retinal conditions like macular degeneration.
When to Seek Help:
Sudden or persistent blurriness.
Accompanied by other symptoms like eye pain or headache.
2. Eye Redness
Potential Causes:
Temporary: Allergies, irritation, or lack of sleep.
Serious: Conjunctivitis (pink eye), uveitis, or an eye infection.
When to Seek Help:
Redness that lasts more than a few days.
Pain, swelling, or discharge.
3. Eye Pain
Potential Causes:
Temporary: Eye strain, dry eyes, or minor injury.
Serious: Glaucoma, corneal abrasions, or infections.
When to Seek Help:
Persistent or severe pain.
Pain with redness, vision changes, or swelling.
4. Light Sensitivity (Photophobia)
Potential Causes:
Temporary: Migraine, dry eyes, or exposure to bright lights.
Serious: Corneal damage, uveitis, or meningitis.
When to Seek Help:
Unusual or persistent sensitivity to light.
Accompanied by other symptoms like headaches or nausea.
5. Excessive Tearing or Dryness
Potential Causes:
Tearing: Allergies, blocked tear ducts, or eye irritation.
Dryness: Aging, environmental factors, or certain medications.
When to Seek Help:
Persistent tearing or dryness despite home remedies.
Signs of infection or inflammation.
6. Double Vision (Diplopia)
Potential Causes:
Temporary: Fatigue or alcohol consumption.
Serious: Neurological issues, eye muscle problems, or stroke.
When to Seek Help:
Sudden or consistent double vision.
Occurs in one or both eyes.
When in Doubt, See a Professional
Many eye symptoms are manageable with home remedies or temporary adjustments, but ignoring persistent or severe symptoms can lead to long-term damage.
At Eyelet, we’re here to support you in prioritising your eye health. If you’re experiencing any concerning symptoms, don’t wait – visit your eye doctor or optometrist immediately. Visit our website to find out more.
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