Taking care of your eyes will help ensure you prevent eye conditions and enjoy good vision. Monitoring your eyes will help detect eye issues before they become serious problems. If they are diagnosed early, the eye doctor can recommend a treatment plan to protect and preserve your vision. Apart from scheduling regular eye exams, you should visit the doctor if you experience vision changes. 

The following are early warning signs of an eye problem.  

Sudden Blurriness/Distorted Vision

If your vision suddenly becomes blurry or distorted, it can signify a serious eye problem. It is one of the most obvious signs to notice. The blurry vision can affect central or peripheral vision, a symptom of various severe eye conditions. 

The vision distortion can be due to a detached retina, glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, macular edema, or corneal infection. If straight lines suddenly appear wavy, contact your eye doctor immediately. 

Eye Swelling

Swelling around or on the eye can be an early warning sign of an eye problem. The swelling can be due to inflammation and irritation of the tissues surrounding the eye. It can result from a face or head trauma or an allergic reaction to irritants and allergens in the environment. 
 

In most cases, the swelling goes down when the allergens are removed or the affected area heals. If the swelling persists, it can indicate a severe problem such as corneal ulcer, cellulitis, scleritis, or Graves’ disease. Swelling can also be due to a black eye, blocked tear duct, or conjunctivitis. 

Eye Redness

Red eyes can result from different injuries and conditions that can lead to swelling, irritation, and vision loss. Inflammation of the small blood vessels causes the whites of the eyes to turn red or pink. It is usually an indication that the eyes are irritated. It can signify an eye problem or infection that can cause long-term damage or vision loss. Red eyes can be a symptom of eye allergies, blepharitis, conjunctivitis, uveitis, or glaucoma. 

Light Sensitivity

Extreme sensitivity to light can be a sign of an eye or vision problem. The eyes are equipped to handle varying degrees of lighting. When they fail to cope with incoming light, the condition is known as light sensitivity or photophobia. Mild sensitivity is normal, but severe or hypersensitivity can signify a serious eye condition. It can be due to strabismus, cataracts, keratoconus, allergies, or corneal abrasion. 

Persistent Headaches 

Various conditions or situations can cause headaches, and they usually feel different depending on the cause. Sharp or dull pain behind the eyes can signify an eye problem. In some cases, OTC medications can help provide relief. 

If medications fail to provide relief or the pain lingers, it is vital to get medical attention. Headaches can be signs of eye conditions such as angle-closure glaucoma, photokeratitis (eye sunburn), corneal infection, or eyestrain.

Other signs that can indicate an eye problem include severe floaters, sudden flashes in vision, and night blindness. If you experience dry eyes or excessive tearing, it could signify an eye problem. If you notice sudden changes in your vision, it is necessary to visit the eye doctor as soon as possible. 

For more early warning signs of an eye problem, visit Memorial Vision at our office in Houston, Texas. Call (281) 496-1635 to book an appointment today.