6 Signs of Possible Eye and Vision Problems

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08 Nov, 2017
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Nothing is more precious than your sight, which is why regular eye exams are so important. Of course, problems may arise in between your yearly checkup that you may not have anticipated. If you begin to suffer from any of the signs and symptoms listed below, contact your optometrist right away to make an appointment. You may have an eye or vision problem that can be corrected if treatment begins early.

1. Dry Eyes With Itching or Burning

Several different conditions may cause dry eyes with itching and burning. Your doctor will be able to diagnose the correct ailment so that you can begin the proper regimen to heal your eyes. A few of the possible culprits include seasonal allergies, ocular rosacea and blepharitis. Blepharitis is an inflammation of the eyelids that causes the tear ducts to produce less tears.

It is also feasible that you've contracted a bacterial or viral infection, which has affected your eyes.

2. Excessive Tearing or Watery Eyes

The opposite of dry eyes, watery eyes is also a symptom that should be checked out by an optometrist. You may be experiencing excess tearing due to agitation caused from a tiny piece of dirt or sand that got stuck in your eye. The doctor can remove the irritant and check for any cuts that it may have caused.

Another possible reason for secreting more than an average amount of tears is inflammation.

3. Unexplained Headaches

While it is common for people to get headaches now and then, they are usually due to stress or allergies. Persistent headaches that have no known cause may mean that you've had a change in your vision. Having to strain to see objects without even realizing it can result in a headache.

Fortunately, the optometrist can easily determine what your vision is and authorize a prescription for a set of glasses or contacts that will correct the issue.

4. Spots in Your Field of Vision

Spots, sometimes referred to as floaters, are often not serious enough to warrant treatment; however, a few conditions that present with spots should be taken seriously. WebMD lists these as a detached or torn retina, eye tumors and an inflamed or bleeding vitreous. If your eye floaters are accompanied with flashes of light, you could have retinal detachment.

Only your doctor will be able to tell what is causing the spots, so set up an appointment to get your eyes looked at as soon as possible.

5. Redness in the White of the Eye or Inner Eyelid

Just like some of the other symptoms, redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid can mean inflammation or infection. It can also mean pinkeye (conjunctivitis), which is a common eye illness that can be treated. Since pinkeye is contagious, it is essential that you seek medical attention. The optometrist will also keep an eye out for cornea scarring that sometimes happens with certain form of conjunctivitis.

6. Cloudy Vision

The biggest and more common condition that causes cloudy vision is cataracts. According to the Kellogg Eye Center, over 90 percent of people over the age of 65 have at least one cataract. Ignoring a cataract can result in the loss of part or all of your vision. Instead, seek help from your eye doctor and discuss having the cataracts removed. This procedure doesn't take long and is performed frequently with excellent results.

If you begin to experience any of the signs or symptoms mentioned above, contact Robert S Haymond, MD for a thorough eye exam. Our office also prescribes and supplies comfortable contacts and stylish eye glasses should you need them.