An eye expert has warned of the ‘serious eye problems’ that need checking out right away – or they could lead to permanent and complete vision loss
A doctor has revealed the worrying symptoms that may indicate that there’s a serious issue with your vision. Dr Russell Lazarus has shared the eight eye issues which are important to never ignore as they can lead to ‘sudden damage to your eyes’ or terrifyingly to ‘complete and permanent blindness’. He explains that it’s crucial to know the signs and symptoms of a range of potentially serious eye conditions, so that you can let your optician know immediately.
The good news is that most of these eye conditions – when detected early enough – can be treated or managed by your doctor. So, while the concept of having a problem with your vision can be scary, it’s important to ensure that you’re getting any potentially problematic symptoms checked out without delay.
One sign that there may be a problem, according to Dr Lazarus, is noticing sudden blurry or distorted vision. He explains: “If you experience sudden blurriness or a distortion in your vision, like a straight line that appears wavy, consult your eye doctor immediately. Sudden blurry vision can affect either your peripheral vision or in your central vision, and can be a sign of many very serious eye conditions.”
Another sign it’s important to look out for is swelling of the area around the eye or the eye itself. While most swelling is caused by trauma or an allergic reaction and will heal on its own over time, if the swelling doesn’t go down this is a sign that you need to see your eye doctor. Dr Lazarus explains that: “If swelling persists over a longer period of time, this may be a sign of a more serious issue.”
If you find yourself constantly experiencing headaches, this is another symptom that may warrant a trip to see your doctor. If you have a headache that persists for longer than normal or you’ve noticed that normal painkillers aren’t working, it’s important to see your eye doctor straight away.
Dr Lazarus also recommends getting red, irritated eyes checked out as they could be a sign of a more serious eye condition. Noticing that your eyes are becoming more sensitive to light is another symptom that it’s important to be aware to look out for.
While floaters – little lines, dots, specks, and webs that float around in your vision – are another sign to take seriously These are usually more visible when you’re looking at plain or light coloured objects or surfaces, such as a computer screen, a white wall, or the sky. While some floaters are normal, Dr Lazarus explains: “If you experience a sudden onset of floaters, or more floaters than you’re accustomed to, you should contact your eye doctor immediately.”
Night blindness should also be monitored. If you find yourself struggling to see in low light conditions, this may be a sign that something isn’t right with your vision. Conditions like Glaucoma and Cataracts can impact your ability to see clearly at night, so getting your eyes checked is important.
Dr Lazarus also recommends getting flashes checked out by an optician, but adds that sudden flashes in your vision can be common as you age, as a result of the ‘vitreous fluid tugging or rubbing on the retina, at the back of your eye’. But adds that: “If you notice lights that can appear as lightning flashes, flashing bulbs or bright stars, these can be the first sign of injury or other eye conditions.
