Easy to neglect 'eye health', see an ophthalmologist immediately if you experience these symptoms

 

Sparkling and floating debris drifting in the air

 

Sudden flashes of light, an increase in floating objects (small spots, dots, circles, lines, spider webs, etc.) in the vision, shadows appearing in the surrounding field of view, or symptoms such as a gray curtain blocking part of the vision may be signs of retinal detachment and require caution. Retinal detachment refers to the condition where the retina separates from the choroid, leading to decreased sensory function of the retina and severe visual impairment. According to the U.S. National Eye Institute, if retinal detachment is not promptly treated with surgery, it can lead to permanent vision loss or even blindness, making it a dangerous condition.

 

As you age, you may occasionally see flashes or experience floaters, which are usually harmless. Floaters occur as the vitreous humor undergoes changes with aging, such as developing wrinkles, leading to the formation of debris inside the vitreous that cast shadows on the retina at the back of the eye. Flashes that appear as sparkling, jagged lines, or wave-like shapes can sometimes be caused by migraines.

 

Sudden vision loss, dry eye syndrome

 

If one eye suddenly becomes blind, it could be an early symptom of a stroke. Poor vision in one eye may indicate a blockage in the small arteries or veins supplying blood to the eye, which could also suggest blockages elsewhere and potentially lead to a serious stroke.

 

Chronic dry eye syndrome, which commonly appears and causes inconvenience in daily life, is one of the symptoms that should never be overlooked easily. Dry eye syndrome can occur due to abnormalities in the tear glands and may also be a symptom of autoimmune diseases such as Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and thyroid eye disease.

 

Severe injuries and pain

 

If you sustain a serious eye injury, especially if the pain worsens or vision changes occur over time, you should seek medical attention immediately. Eye injuries can lead to vision loss or blindness, making them dangerous.

 

In the case of a serious eye injury, signs may include △persistent pain △sudden loss of vision △one eye not moving as well as the other or experiencing double vision or pain with movement △abnormal pupil size and shape △protrusion or sinking of the eye compared to the other eye △bleeding visible in the central part of the eye or on the sclera △tearing and blinking accompanied by a foreign body sensation.

 

When small particles such as sand, soil, or dust get into the eyes, a foreign body sensation is felt, but in most cases, tears or blinking can sufficiently wash them out. However, if artificial materials such as metal or glass get into the eyes, the situation is different. Trying to remove them yourself or rubbing the eyes when tears and blinking do not help can cause further damage, so in such cases, it is best to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

 

If there is eye pain, it may be due to increased intraocular pressure rather than injury, requiring careful attention. This is because it could be a sign of glaucoma. The most common type of glaucoma, primary open-angle glaucoma, does not cause pain or vision changes, but rarely, an acute angle-closure glaucoma attack can occur, presenting with pain along with sudden blurred vision, headache, nausea, vomiting, and symptoms such as rainbow-colored rings or halos around lights.

 

Red, bloodshot eyes

 

It is important to carefully observe if the eyes are bloodshot, as it can be a sign of an underlying issue. Redness caused by a cold or allergies may not be a major problem, but redness due to bacterial or viral conjunctivitis can cause one or both eyes to become bloodshot. Bacteria accumulating around the eyelids can lead to inflammation such as blepharitis, which may result in redness, dry eyes, and intermittent blurred vision.