3 Eye Warning Signs That May Indicate Serious Eye Problems

When it comes to your eyes, it is essential to be aware and not ignore the eye warning signs that may indicate serious eye problems. Here are three of the most common warning signs that should not be overlooked: 

Eye pain

Although eye pain is joint, it should never be neglected as a warning sign. It could indicate severe eye conditions if you experience eye pain that does not go away, improve with rest, or is accompanied Indicating severe eye conditions if you experience eye pain that persists and doesn't subside with rest or is accompanied by other symptoms such as diminished visual acuity or inability to move the eye in every direction. More common eye conditions associated with eye pain include:

Corneal abrasions 

The surface of your eye is scratched. Prolonged contact lens use, rubbing, and even dust-induced abrasions may all contribute to corneal redness and associated tearing; they are typically remedied with prescribed antibiotics and lubricating eyedrops, which necessitate close monitoring to ensure optimum healing of its surface area.

Corneal infections

A bacterial or viral infection of the cornea can cause intense and persistent eye pain, redness and swelling. Often, this results from overnight lens wear or neglecting to clean lenses. If untreated, this infection may spread to the rest of the eye, leading to blurred vision and blindness. Other symptoms of an infected cornea include a discharge from the eye, severe discomfort when moving your eyes, sensitivity to light, and difficulty wearing contact lenses.

Foreign bodies

Foreign particles such as an eyelash or particulate matter within one's eyes may all irritate, eventually resulting in intense eye pain aggravated by blinking. Artificial tears may be utilised for rinsing your eyes and removing the foreign body; failure to do so could result in corneal abrasion.

Glaucoma

A progressive and potentially blinding eye disease, glaucoma is often preceded by a warning sign such as a decrease in the visibility of objects within the field of vision. A particular type called acute angle-closure glaucoma (AACG) causes a spike in eye pressure and severe eye pain. This is an ocular emergency.

Optic neuritis 

A condition in which the optic nerve is inflamed due to an autoimmune disease, bacterial or viral infection., causing decreased or distorted vision, headaches and fatigue. If left untreated, optic neuritis can lead to permanent blindness. Early detection and treatment of this disorder with medication and rest is critical for restoring vision.

If you are experiencing extreme pain in one or both of your eyes, you must see a doctor as soon as possible. Eye pain may signify something wrong with the vision and must be treated.

Wavy/distorted vision

An inability to see clearly and correctly; straight lines appear bent, crooked, or wavy. Usually, this is caused by swelling in the retina, which in turn causes distortion, specifically in the macula area.

Distortions in vision can be pretty disorienting, causing an erroneous perception of the world where straight lines appear bent or wavy. This may be due to swelling in the macula area or the inability to properly project images onto the retina. Common conditions associated with distorted vision include:

Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

One of the leading causes of blindness in adults over 50, AMD is a progressive eye disease that attacks the macula, the area at the back of your eye responsible for central vision. Symptoms may include decreased vision, changes in colour perception, reduced contrast sensitivity and blurred vision. If you experience any of these symptoms, you must see a doctor for an evaluation.

Macular Edema

Macular oedema is a common complication of glaucoma and other conditions that cause increased intraocular pressure, including hypertension and diabetes. This condition results in the gradual accumulation of fluid within the macula, causing distortion and loss of visual clarity. Therefore, early diagnosis and treatment are essential for preserving vision.

Floaters

Floaters are tiny, detached pieces of debris that appear in your vision field, especially when looking at a plain background. They originate from the vitreous (a fluid sack within the eye) or from within the macula. Floaters often cause a feeling of detachment and can be challenging to see. Nonetheless, occasional floaters in small numbers and sizes are acceptable. However, if you experience a sudden increment in the number and size of floaters, contact your eye doctor immediately. It may indicate:

Retinal Detachment

The retina pulls away from its normal position, most commonly due to ageing or an eye injury. Alongside floaters, you may also experience severe eye pain, vision changes such as distortion in your vision, or flashes. See an eye doctor for an evaluation.

Ocular Lymphoma

Ocular lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph nodes located in the eyes. These nodes filter the lymphatic fluid that helps protect the eye. If left untreated, ocular lymphoma may spread to other body parts, including the brain and spinal cord, leading to serious health complications. Symptoms of ocular lymphoma may include eye pain and visual problems such as floaters, redness, swelling, photophobia or vision loss. Early diagnosis and treatment with chemotherapy and external radiation therapy will be recommended.

Conclusion - What can you do?

If you experience any of the signs listed above, you must consult your eye doctor as soon as possible. Often, if an issue is detected early, it can be treated and prevent more severe problems from developing.