Eye Symptoms
Eye symptoms encompass a wide range of visual and physical changes that can affect one or both eyes. From minor irritations to serious conditions threatening vision, eye symptoms require careful attention as they may indicate local eye problems or systemic diseases. The eyes are complex organs, and symptoms can involve vision changes, pain, appearance changes, or abnormal sensations. Recognizing emergency symptoms and understanding when to seek immediate care can help preserve vision and prevent complications.
🚨 SEEK EMERGENCY EYE CARE For:
- Sudden vision loss or severe vision changes
- Eye injury or trauma
- Chemical exposure to eyes
- Severe eye pain
- Sudden onset of flashing lights with floaters
- Curtain or shadow across vision
- Halos around lights with pain and nausea
- Bulging eye
- Double vision with headache
- Eye symptoms with signs of stroke
Time is critical for many eye emergencies - delays can result in permanent vision loss.
Common Eye Symptoms
Vision Changes
- Blurred vision
- Double vision (diplopia)
- Vision loss (partial or complete)
- Floaters and spots
- Flashing lights
- Halos around lights
- Night blindness
- Tunnel vision
Eye Pain/Discomfort
- Sharp or stabbing pain
- Dull aching
- Burning sensation
- Foreign body sensation
- Itching
- Pressure feeling
- Light sensitivity (photophobia)
- Eye strain
Appearance Changes
- Red or bloodshot eyes
- Swollen eyelids
- Drooping eyelid (ptosis)
- Bulging eyes
- Yellow eyes (jaundice)
- Pupil size changes
- Eye crossing
- Dark circles
Discharge/Tearing
- Watery eyes
- Thick discharge
- Crusty eyelashes
- Sticky eyes
- Excessive tearing
- Dry eyes
- Mucus in eyes
- Pus discharge
Understanding Vision Symptoms
Sudden Vision Changes
- Vision loss: May indicate retinal detachment, stroke, or arterial blockage
- Flashing lights: Often precedes retinal detachment
- New floaters: Especially with flashes needs urgent evaluation
- Curtain/shadow: Classic sign of retinal detachment
Gradual Vision Changes
- Progressive blur: Cataracts, refractive errors
- Central vision loss: Macular degeneration
- Peripheral vision loss: Glaucoma
- Distorted vision: Macular problems
Double Vision
- Monocular: Present with one eye (cornea/lens issue)
- Binocular: Only with both eyes (muscle/nerve problem)
- Horizontal: Side-by-side images
- Vertical: One above the other
Common Causes by Symptom
Red Eye
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Subconjunctival hemorrhage
- Dry eye syndrome
- Allergies
- Glaucoma (acute)
- Uveitis
- Corneal abrasion
Eye Pain
- Corneal abrasion or ulcer
- Foreign body
- Acute glaucoma
- Optic neuritis
- Sinusitis
- Migraine
- Eye strain
Discharge
- Bacterial conjunctivitis
- Viral conjunctivitis
- Allergic conjunctivitis
- Blocked tear duct
- Blepharitis
- Corneal ulcer
Age-Related Eye Symptoms
Children
- Eye crossing (strabismus)
- Lazy eye (amblyopia)
- Blocked tear ducts
- Frequent eye rubbing
- Sitting close to TV
- Difficulty in school
Adults
- Computer vision syndrome
- Dry eyes
- Presbyopia (difficulty reading)
- Early cataracts
- Diabetic eye disease
Elderly
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Macular degeneration
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Dry eyes
- Eyelid problems
Associated Symptoms
Eye symptoms often occur with:
- Headache: Migraine, glaucoma, eye strain
- Nausea: Acute glaucoma, migraine
- Fever: Infections, inflammatory conditions
- Facial pain: Sinusitis, neuralgia
- Skin rash: Shingles, autoimmune conditions
- Joint pain: Autoimmune diseases
- Neurological symptoms: Multiple sclerosis, stroke
- Difficulty swallowing: Myasthenia gravis
Medical Evaluation
Eye Examination Components
- Visual acuity testing
- Pupil responses
- Eye movement assessment
- Visual field testing
- Slit lamp examination
- Intraocular pressure
- Fundoscopy (retinal exam)
Diagnostic Tests
- OCT scan: Retinal imaging
- Fluorescein angiography: Blood vessel assessment
- Corneal topography: Corneal mapping
- Ultrasound: Internal eye structures
- ERG: Retinal function
- Visual evoked potential: Optic nerve function
Eye Care and Protection
Daily Eye Care
- Regular blinking when using screens
- 20-20-20 rule for computer use
- Adequate lighting
- Proper contact lens hygiene
- Remove makeup before sleep
- Avoid rubbing eyes
- Stay hydrated
Eye Protection
- UV-protective sunglasses
- Safety glasses for activities
- Protective eyewear for sports
- Proper workplace eye protection
- Swimming goggles in pools
Preventing Eye Problems
- Regular eye exams: Early detection of problems
- Healthy diet: Rich in vitamins A, C, E
- Don't smoke: Increases cataract/AMD risk
- Control chronic conditions: Diabetes, hypertension
- Exercise regularly: Improves circulation
- Proper lighting: Reduce eye strain
- Screen breaks: Prevent digital eye strain
- Hand hygiene: Prevent infections
- Replace makeup: Avoid bacterial growth