A doctor has issued a stark warning about the concerning symptoms that could spell serious problems for your sight.
Dr Russell Lazarus has highlighted eight key eye issues not to ignore, as they could cause ‘sudden damage to your eyes’ or even lead to ‘complete and permanent blindness’.
Stressing the importance of early detection, Dr Lazarus has cautioned as reported by the Mirror, that recognising the signs and symptoms of various severe eye conditions is vital for prompt communication with your optician.
The silver lining, however, is that most eye problems can be effectively treated or managed if caught soon enough. While eye health concerns can be alarming, it’s essential to get any concerning symptoms professionally evaluated without delay.
One alarm bell, according to Dr Lazarus, is the sudden onset of blurry or distorted vision. He notes: “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.”
Be on the lookout for swelling around the eye or the eye itself, as it could be a red flag. While most cases are due to injury or allergies and tend to resolve over time, persistent swelling should prompt a visit to the optician, Dr Lazarus warns: “If swelling persists over a longer period of time, this may be a sign of a more serious issue.”
Persistent headaches can also signal eye health issues; if you’re suffering from headaches that last longer than usual or find that standard painkillers aren’t effective, it’s crucial to see your eye specialist without delay.
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Dr Lazarus further advises that red, irritated eyes should not be ignored, as they might indicate a severe eye condition. Increased sensitivity to light is another symptom to watch out for.
Moreover, while floaters – those tiny lines, dots, specks, and webs drifting through your vision – are often harmless, Dr Lazarus cautions: “If you experience a sudden onset of floaters, or more floaters than you’re accustomed to, you should contact your eye doctor immediately.”
Struggling to see in low light conditions, or night blindness, is another symptom to keep an eye on. This could indicate a problem with your vision, as conditions like Glaucoma and Cataracts can affect your ability to see clearly at night.
Therefore, it’s crucial to get your eyes checked. Dr Lazarus also advises getting any flashes in your vision examined by an optician.
While sudden flashes can be common as you age due to the ‘vitreous fluid tugging or rubbing on the retina, at the back of your eye’, he warns: “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.”
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