How to Spot Signs of Eye Disease and When to Seek Professional Help

May 24, 2023

The eyes are one of the most sensitive organs in the body because of their delicate internal structures. If there is an eye injury, it is much easier to determine that something is wrong. However, it can be different regarding eye illnesses.

Eye diseases usually develop under the radar and present no symptoms until they are in the advanced stages. Because of this, early detection of disease is essential to manage the condition before it causes loss of sight or significant damage. It is crucial to pay attention to any changes in your vision and seek professional help when needed.
 

Signs of Eye Disease

Sudden Vision Distortion
 

Vision distortion or blurriness that comes on suddenly is easily the most obvious sign of a serious eye condition. Distortion could include a straight line appearing wavy or the sides of buildings appearing wavy.

If you notice this distortion, you must consult an eye doctor immediately. Sudden blurry vision can develop if a serious eye condition impacts your central or peripheral vision. Many conditions that cause these vision changes require emergency intervention to prevent permanent eye damage. 
 

Some of the eye diseases that can cause these changes are:
 

• Corneal infection

• Macular edema

• Retinal detachment

• Diabetic retinopathy

• Wet age-related macular degeneration

• Angle-closure glaucoma

• Pink eye or conjunctivitis

Inflammation 

Some conditions can irritate the tissues and structures around the eye and cause inflammation. Swelling around the eye can occur due to injury by a blunt object to various parts of the head and face. 

Allergic reactions could also lead to the same outcomes, such as those from pollen, bug bites, or smoke. Usually, the swelling and the pain decrease as you receive treatment, but it fails to respond to the medication, this is a clear sign that you have to see an eye doctor immediately.

Headaches

Headaches are common and may come and go depending on your overall health and mental state. But if you experience a headache with sharp pain behind the eyes, there is a likely chance that it may be more than just a headache.

If your headache does not subside when taking pain medication, you must seek medical attention immediately. Such headaches could be a result of the following:
 

• Eyestrain

• Angle-closure glaucoma

• Corneal infection

• Photokeratitis

• Migraines

Flashes

Eye flashes are sudden, brief bursts of light that can occur in your field of vision.  In some cases, they may be harmless and caused by changes in the vitreous gel of the eye due to the natural aging process. However, in other instances, they can be indicative of a more severe issue, such as a retinal tear or detachment. 

Early detection and treatment are key in preventing permanent vision loss from serious eye conditions. To identify the early warning signs, pay close attention to any changes in your vision, such as vision distortion, blurriness, an increase in floaters or the sudden appearance of flashes of light. If you notice these symptoms, don't hesitate to seek professional help.

It's also crucial to attend regular eye exams, especially as you age. During these exams, an eye care professional can thoroughly examine your eyes and identify any potential issues before they become severe.

For more on signs of eye disease and when to seek professional help, visit Eye Associates of New York in New York, NY. Call (212) 650-4888 to discuss any questions with our team of experts or to schedule your eye exam today.