Eight Eye Problems That Require Prompt Attention:
The significance of maintaining eye health often goes unnoticed until problems arise. Journalists Jennifer Yu, MD, PhD, and Dr. Lisa Olmos de Koo, both ophthalmologists at the Eye Institute at Harborview Medical Center and the Karalis Johnson Retina Center at South Lake Union, offer insight into signs of eye trouble that should never be disregarded.
Eye Pain
The most conspicuous symptom that warrants immediate attention is eye pain. If your eye unexpectedly starts to hurt, it's a reasonable cause for concern. Acute, severe eye pain, or pain that lasts more than a couple of minutes, demands an ophthalmologist's consultation immediately.
According to Yu, pain could indicate infection, inflammation, or trauma that may go unnoticed without proper examination. "It's not always easy for someone to assess the degree of injury to their own eye," advises Olmos de Koo, adding that indirect trauma or subsequent complications should also be considered.
Blurred Vision
Blurred vision is one of the most common eye problems and is typically the result of dryness in the eye, known as dry eye. This condition can be caused by medications, environmental factors like wind or smoke, or extended contact lens wear. Over-the-counter products like artificial tears can usually alleviate symptoms.
Recent recalls by the FDA of several popular artificial tear brands, however, should prompt caution. These products have been linked to eye infections and sight issues, so it's crucial to research brands before use.
If artificial tears fail to improve vision, an ophthalmologist should be consulted within a few days. Pregnant individuals are at increased risk for dry eye due to hormonal changes, so any changes in vision during pregnancy should be reported to a healthcare provider.
Sudden or severe visual impairment, on the other hand, necessitates immediate attention. Such instances may signify inflammation of the optic nerve or high pressure around the brain and spinal cord, conditions that can lead to rapid vision loss.
Burning or Gritty Feelings
Numerous factors such as lack of sleep, smoke in the air, allergies, or dry eye can cause a burning or gritty sensation in the eye. Using artificial tears can often resolve this discomfort.
If you suspect a foreign object is the culprit, avoid self-treatment with tweezers, advises Olmos do Koo. Instead, consult an ophthalmologist for removal.
Oil gland blockage or eye mites might also be the cause. The former can be addressed by regularly soaking a washcloth in hot water and holding it against closed eyelids for several minutes. Eye mites can be managed with daily, long-term usage of a foaming tea tree oil cleanser. If symptoms persist, a doctor's consultation is advised.
Eye Redness
Allergies, smoke, and sleep deprivation can cause blood vessels in the eye to dilate, resulting in red eyes. Mild redness can be managed with eye drops or managed with patience, as it's typically not a cause for alarm.
However, if redness is accompanied by pain, burning, blurred vision, discharge, or any other new symptom, prompt attention from an ophthalmologist is required.
This includes pink eye, or conjunctivitis, a highly contagious infection common in preschoolers. Viral or bacterial pink eye requires appropriate treatment, typically antiviral or antibiotic medication, and refraining from eye rubbing or eye contact with affected individuals can help prevent its spread.
Double Vision
Double vision can be caused by neurological issues or other serious conditions in some cases. Double vision that resolves when one eye is closed indicates a neurological concern and demands immediate medical attention. When double vision persists regardless of closed eyes, it's likely due to dry eye or cataracts and should be addressed by an ophthalmologist.
Droopy Eyelid
Aging naturally causes a gradual droop in eyelids; however, sudden drooping may indicate a stroke, muscle disease, or nerve problem and necessitates immediate attention in an emergency room.
Odd-Sized Pupils
In general, pupil size remains relatively constant. A sudden, dramatic difference in pupil size may indicate a brain aneurysm or other serious brain disease and requires an immediate trip to the emergency room.
Floaters and Flashes of Light
Eye floaters are a natural part of aging, resulting from changes within the vitreous. New floaters, especially when accompanied by flashes of light or obscured vision, could signal retinal detachment and necessitate prompt ophthalmologist consultation.
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, individuals over 40 should have a routine eye check, with follow-up every two to four years. Those with underlying health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol should consult an ophthalmologist more frequently. Routine examinations can provide valuable insights into both the health and future vision of individuals.
As Olmos de Koo stresses, "We've all heard the saying, 'Your eyes are a window to your soul.' What most people haven't heard before is that they're a window into your overall health, too."
News regarding eye health is crucial for understanding potential issues. A recent study from the University of California, San Francisco's Department of Ophthalmology, shed light on the correlation between maintaining good eye health and overall health and wellness, especially in the context of medical-conditions like diabetes. The research highlighted the importance of regular eye examinations, as they can serve as a barometer for early detection of various health issues.
