Neglecting eye health is something we’re all guilty of.
Strangely, eyes allow us to see the world around us and navigate through it yet we rarely stop to think about proper eye care unless we experience some eye and/or vision problems.
If you’re here to learn more about the issue you’re having with your eyes, use this opportunity to create a habit out of regular eye care even if the issue in question turns out to be nothing too serious.
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Sudden Eye Pain
Eye pain is not something to ignore, especially if it comes at random waves, lasts for more than a minute, and is quite severe.
You might be aware of an eye injury you suffered before, which may be the cause of this pain.
However, if there was no injury whatsoever, this pain could be triggered by inflammations in the eye. It’s crucial that you pay a visit to your ophthalmologist as soon as possible.
Instances of Blurry Vision
Blurry vision is the most common eye problem in this day and age.
It’s typically caused by dry eye syndrome, which can be triggered by wearing the contacts for too long, staring at the computer/phone screens, certain meds such as antihistamines, hormonal changes in pregnancy, strong winds, and so on.
The issue can be solved by lubricating the eye with the eye drops.
However, if the instances of blurry vision continue and actually last for hours, make sure to get medical assistance quickly.
It might be that you just need prescription glasses, but it’s crucial to rule out potential eye diseases.
Burning Feeling in the Eye
Sometimes, dry eyes and seasonal allergies can also cause a burning sensation in the eyes. Smoke and lack of sleep could also be the culprits.
Again, eye drops could fix the issue, but if it persists, make it a point to see the ophthalmologist as you might have a foreign object in your eye that could lead to an infection.
Suspicious Eye Redness
The same triggers of dry eye syndrome could also lead to eye redness.
In general, these are simply dilated blood vessels that aren’t too dangerous.
Even if they burst and your eye turns really red, this can be viewed as a simple bruise.
However, if this redness is accompanied by pain, burning, blurry visions, and discharge, the situation is alarming enough to seek medical assistance.
Double Vision Issue
In case you’re suffering from double vision, you have to react ASAP.
Try closing one eye. If this solves the problem of double vision, the problem may be neurological so head to your ophthalmologist or emergency room.
Don’t panic as PRK eye surgery, glasses, and proper care can help you recover your vision.
In case the double vision persists even with one eye closed, don’t waste your time going to the emergency room and head straight to the ophthalmologist.
Sudden Droopy Eyelid
As we age, the skin around our eyes gets looser.
This is why noticing your eyelids getting droopy gradually is not really an eye emergency.
However, if just one eyelid droops considerably and very suddenly, it’s paramount that you go to the emergency room as soon as possible as the reason behind this might lie in nerve problems or even a stroke.
Pupils Differ in Size
Pupils shrink and expand depending on the level of brightness they’re exposed to.
This is completely normal, but the thing is, they should always be the same size.
If you suddenly notice that one pupil is completely different in size compared to the other one, don’t waste time and head to the emergency room.
It may not be anything serious, but, on the other hand, it could also be a sign of aneurysm.
Strange Eye Floaters
Everyone experiences eye floaters, especially when exposed to bright light or keeping the eyes shut with force.
However, if the floaters start appearing with flashes of light and they tend to be different in shape and colour compared to the ones you’ve gotten used to throughout life, it would be smart to relay the issue to your ophthalmologist as your retina might be in danger.
If you want to take good care of your eyes, make it a point to visit an ophthalmologist every 2 years.
In case you’re suffering from diabetes and/or high blood pressure, these visits should be more frequent as well.
Use eye drops to prevent dry eye and wear sunglasses when you go out in the summer.
If you have to spend long periods of time in front of a computer, get yourself a pair of computer protection glasses, too.