10 Common Eye Conditions, When to Worry and When to see a Doctor

10 Common Eye Conditions, When to Worry and When to see a Doctor

1. Dry Eyes: Dryness, grittiness, or blurred vision due to insufficient tears. A pharmacist can help sort in most people.
   • When to worry: Persistent dryness, pain, or vision changes.
   • When to see a doctor: If symptoms persist or worsen despite using over-the-counter drops.
2. Conjunctivitis (‘Red’ or ‘Pink Eye’): Inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, causing redness, itching, and discharge. It is usually bacterial or viral, and can be dealt with my a pharmacist.
   • When to worry: Severe pain, vision changes, or intense redness.
   • When to see a doctor: If symptoms worsen or don’t improve with treatment.
3. Cataracts: Clouding of the lens, causing blurry vision, glare, or halos.
   • When to worry: Significant vision loss or impact on daily activities.
   • When to see a doctor: If symptoms interfere with daily life; surgical evaluation may be necessary.
4. Glaucoma: Damage to the optic nerve, due to increased pressure within the eye, leading to visual loss.
   • When to worry: Gradual peripheral vision loss or tunnel vision.
   • When to see a doctor: Regular check-ups are crucial; early detection is key, as treatment is effective
5. Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD): Progressive damage to the macula, causing central visual loss.
   • When to worry: Distorted vision, blind spots, or difficulty reading.
   • When to see a doctor: If symptoms appear or worsen; early treatment can slow progression.
6. Diabetic Retinopathy: Damage to retinal blood vessels due to diabetes, potentially causing visual loss.
   • When to worry: Blurred vision, floaters, or sudden visual loss.
   • When to see a doctor: Regular eye examination is essential for people with diabetes; timely treatment (e.g. with laser therapy) can prevent visual loss.
7. Astigmatism: Irregularly shaped cornea or lens, causing blurred vision at all distances.
   • When to worry: Persistent blurry vision, headaches, or eye strain.
   • When to see a doctor: If symptoms impact daily activities; glasses, contact lenses lenses or surgery may be options.
8. Presbyopia: Also known as age-related long-sightedness, is a condition that causes difficulty in focusing on nearby objects as people age. It’s a natural part of the aging process, typically becoming noticeable around the age of 40.
   • When to worry: Difficulty reading or performing daily tasks.
   • When to see a doctor: If symptoms impact daily life; glasses or contact lenses can help.
9. Floaters and Flashes: Small, dark spots or flashes of light due to age-related changes in the vitreous gel.
   • When to worry: Sudden increase in floaters or flashes, especially with visual loss.
   • When to see a doctor: If symptoms are severe or sudden; prompt evaluation can rule out retinal detachment.
10. Blepharitis: Inflammation of the eyelids, causing redness, itching, and crusting.
    • When to worry: Persistent symptoms, pain, or vision changes.
    • When to see a doctor: If symptoms don’t improve with self-care or worsen over time.

General Guidelines about Eye Conditions

• Have regular eye examinations to detect conditions early
• Seek immediate attention if you experience:
  • Sudden loss of vision (blindness)
  • Severe eye pain
  • Increased sensitivity to light
  • Double vision or distorted vision
  • Redness or swelling around the eye.