5 Signs and Symptoms That You May Have Eye Problems

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Here you will learn about the most common signs and symptoms for eye problems. If you notice them, you may already have a problem.

Blurred Vision

Myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism and presbyopia will cause blurred vision. In myopia, vision is blurred at long distances. In hyperopia, vision is clearer at distance, worse at close. Astigmatism may be present in myopia or hyperopia.

Myopia and hyperopia happen when light rays do not focus on the retina. The retina is connected to the brain, via the optic nerve. Damage to the retina causes blindness.

The point on the retina where central vision occurs is called the macula. Degeneration of the macula is fairly common among the elderly. Although total blindness does not typically occur, central vision may be lost.

Presbyopia is an age related visual disturbance that makes it difficult to read. Most people over the age of 40 need some type of reading glasses, because they lose the ability to focus on near objects.

Cataracts may also cause blurred vision. Injury or illness may cause short-lived visual disturbances. In high blood pressure and diabetes, a person's vision may change throughout the day. For example, a diabetic's vision may be worse after eating certain foods.

Night Blindness

No one can see in the complete absence of light, but some people cannot well enough to drive at night. The problem of night blindness seems to increase with age, although it may occur in childhood, too. Not only is it one of the signs and symptoms for eye problems. Difficulty seeing at night may also be a symptom of a nutritional deficiency or other health problem.

Headaches

Headaches sometimes occur as a result of constantly straining to see. Anyone who must squint or strain in other ways in order to see will experience tension headaches. The location of the head pain varies, but it is usually concentrated at the temples.

Visible Indicators

The first three signs and symptoms for eye problems are invisible. Only the person experiencing the blurred vision, night blindness or headache will be aware of them. Visible indicators are things that a doctor could see. They include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Watering
• Discharge
• Crusting around the eyelids
• Wrinkles from squinting

The visible indicators may be caused by an allergy, an infection, an irritation, a visual problem or an injury.

Flashes of Light or Floaters

Floaters are cells in the fluid inside of the eye. Floaters are not always included in the signs and symptoms of eye problems, because most people have them.

However, a sudden increase in flutters or the symptom of seeing flashes of light is indicative of a detached retina. Medical advice should be sought immediately. Detached retina may be caused by injury or stress. The risk of detachment increases with age.

2011-08-24