We’ve all done it—ignored a symptom of some kind while telling ourselves it’s nothing. What’s important to remember is there are some signs and symptoms that absolutely should not be ignored, and this is especially true of vision symptoms. What type of eye symptoms should you get checked out? Here’s a few:
Double vision
Seeing double is not something to take lightly. Double vision can occur in both eyes, or may only be centered in one. If you’re seeing double, cover one eye at a time to determine which eye is having the problem. Double vision can be caused by a problem within the eye (the cornea or retina), issues with your ocular muscle, diabetes or nerve conditions.
An increase in floaters
Floaters are small shapes that people may see in their field of vision. Normally, they’re nothing to be concerned about. However, if you notice a sudden increase in them and they start to affect your sight, there may be an issue with the eye itself. An increase in floaters is associated with two different types of conditions: retina detachment, and posterior vitreous detachment. The retina can become detached from the nerves and tissue behind it, and the vitreous membrane, which normally lies between the retina and the vitreous humour of the eyeball, can come unstuck from the retina. Both can be caused by serious head injuries, age or eye infections.
Eye Pain
While most eye diseases are painless, some conditions or injuries can cause eye pain. For example, glaucoma, dry eye or a scratched cornea may cause eye pain. It’s imperative that you consult your doctor if you are experiencing pain.
Red or Pink eyes
When the whites of your eyes become red or pink, it’s always a good idea to get it checked out. There’s a chance you could have conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink-eye. The discoloration would likely be accompanied by a build-up of discharge in your eye. Conjunctivitis is very contagious, so be sure to frequently wash your hands and avoid touching your eyes.