Eyes allow us to see the world around us, read, drive, and perform regular daily activities. However, they are also very delicate, and that makes them prone to developing eye problems. Certain eye conditions can affect not only our vision but also our quality of life.
Being aware of the early signs of eye problems and seeking medical attention promptly is key. Visiting an eye doctor when any of these symptoms occur could potentially save your vision. Let’s dive deeper into the topic.
Table of Contents:
1.4. Sensitivity to Light
1.6. Eye Squinting
1.9. Eye Twitching
1.10. Focusing Difficulties
10 Warning Signs of Eye Problems
Blurred Vision or Double Vision
Blurred or double vision is one of the most common eye problems and can be an alarming indication.
We associate this symptom with cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and minor vision disturbances due to stress, opiates, or external factors.
Infections like uveitis or conjunctivitis may lead to changes in clarity, too. Nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism may cause blurriness without updated prescriptions. Excessive screen time, poor lighting, or inadequate breaks can temporarily blur vision as well.
As for neurological problems, though rare, conditions such as multiple sclerosis, migraines, or even a stroke can disrupt visual clarity. In addition, reactions to antihistamines or antidepressants can cause blurred vision as a side effect.
If you notice sudden or persistent changes in your vision clarity, see an eye doctor as soon as possible. They can determine the cause of your complaints and recommend an appropriate treatment.
Eye Pain or Discomfort
Eye pain or discomfort are often early signs of eye problems.
The most common ones include dry eye syndrome, eye strain, allergies, sinus infections, or eye infections. However, they can also indicate severe conditions such as uveitis, corneal abrasion, glaucoma, nerve damage, tumors, and more.
Intense pain in the eye is a significant cause of concern.
If you have pain behind the eyeball or persistent and strong pain in the eye, see an eye doctor immediately to examine, diagnose, and treat you.
Flashing Lights or Floaters
Flashing lights or floaters are specks or strings appearing and floating in your field of vision.
Both are typically triggered by natural aging or inflammation in the eye. Nevertheless, in some cases, they may also be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment.
Floaters can occur at any age but are most common in people over 50.
They may also occur in nearsighted patients, as well as those who have had cataract surgery or certain types of eye injury.
If you experience sudden or persistent light flashes or floaters, seek immediate medical attention.
Sensitivity to Light
Sensitivity to light, a.k.a. photophobia, is a common symptom of eye problems, including corneal abrasions, iritis, and migraines.
Occasionally, it may be a sign of astigmatism, eye strain, or a side effect of certain medications. In case you experience light sensitivity, see an eye doctor for an eye exam and consultation.
If you have recently had an eye doctor appointment and your pupils were dilated during the eye exam, sensitivity to light is completely normal. It should subside naturally in a few hours or days.
Excessive Tearing or Watering
While occasional tearing is normal, excessive involuntary tearing or watering of the eyes for prolonged periods may be an indicator of a blocked tear duct or an eye infection.
Alternatively, it might be a symptom of allergies or dry eye syndrome (when the eye surface is too dry, the body sometimes reacts by producing excessive tears).
If the tearing persists for more than a few days or is accompanied by eye pain or redness, please seek medical attention from an ophthalmologist.
Eye Squinting
Squinting is a natural response to bright light. Yet, if you find yourself squinting more often than usual, consider it a sign of a refractive error such as nearsightedness or farsightedness.
In rare cases, squinting may also be a sign of a more serious condition. For example, pink eye (conjunctivitis), foreign body in the eye, corneal erosion, ulcer, or eye inflammation (uveitis).
If you notice persistent squinting, do not ignore the first signs of eye problems and go see an eye doctor.
RELATED: General Questions About Your Eyes
Difficulty Seeing in Low Light
Difficulty seeing in low light is one of the most common signs of eye problems in adults. It usually happens due to cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration.
If you experience difficulty seeing in low light, it is wise to consult an eye doctor as soon as possible. Thus, you will be able to determine the underlying cause and receive proper treatment timely.
Difficulty seeing in low light may also be a symptom of a refractive error (nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism), but that is not always a cause for concern!
Sudden Changes in Vision
Any sudden vision changes should be taken seriously.
If you experience blurry vision, or double vision, along with sudden loss of vision in one or both eyes, seek the help of a medical professional immediately.
The symptoms could be a sign of serious health conditions like strokes, retinal detachment, or acute angle closure glaucoma.
Eye Twitching
Sudden eye twitching is extremely common and usually harmless. So there is not much to worry about if eye twitching passes in a few minutes or hours.
Then again, if you experience severe, persistent twitching, consult an eye doctor, because it could be a sign of an underlying condition such as blepharospasm or hemifacial spasm.
These are more serious eye conditions causing involuntary muscle contractions around the eye, leading to discomfort and impaired vision.
Focusing Difficulties
If you find it difficult to focus on objects or adjust from light to dark environments, this may indicate astigmatism, eye strain, presbyopia, or refractive errors.
These conditions may potentially cause blurry vision, thus making it challenging to perform daily tasks like reading or driving.
See an eye doctor to get the proper treatment or vision correction.
Are You at Risk? Here is What to Do Next!
The signs of eye problems in adults can vary widely. Be aware of these early signs and seek medical attention promptly if these symptoms occur. Early diagnosis and treatment prevent serious eye problems and could preserve your vision and improve your quality of life.
Read more about eye health in the Ophthalmology24 blog for patients.
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✅ Medically reviewed
Checked by Atanas Bogoev, MD.