7 Little Eye Symptoms That Could Be Big Trouble
Published by on March 7, 2024
Our eyes are incredible organs, offering a gateway to the world around us. But sometimes, seemingly minor eye issues can mask more serious underlying conditions. Ignoring these “innocent” symptoms could lead to delayed diagnosis and potential loss of vision.
As we commemorate “Save Your Vision Month” this March, this is a reminder not to disregard sudden or persistent visual issues. Those irksome symptoms could signal something that could cause permanent damage if left untreated. Here are 7 seemingly minor eye symptoms that could spell big trouble:
Sudden increase in floaters
Floaters are those annoying little specks that drift across your vision. While occasional floaters are normal, a sudden increase, accompanied by flashes of light, could indicate a retinal tear or detachment. This requires immediate medical attention, as early intervention can prevent permanent vision loss.
Persistent eye redness
Occasional redness from allergies or dry eyes usually subsides with rest or over-the-counter remedies. However, persistent redness, especially if accompanied by pain, discharge or itching, could be a sign of:
- Uveitis. Inflammation of the inner eye
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye). Highly contagious infection
- Corneal abrasion. Scratch on the cornea (front surface of the eye)
- Stye. Pimple on the eyelid
Blurred vision
Blurry vision can have various causes, some requiring immediate care. Sudden, severe blurring could indicate:
- Migraine aura.Temporary vision disturbances before a migraine headache
- Detached retina. As mentioned earlier, this requires urgent medical intervention
- Stroke. Vision loss in one eye can be a stroke symptom
Drooping eyelid (ptosis)
A droopy eyelid can develop gradually due to aging or muscle weakness, but in rare cases, it might signify:
- Horner’s syndrome. Caused by nerve damage, affecting other facial features
- Myasthenia gravis. Autoimmune disease affecting muscles, including the eyelids
- Brain tumor. In very rare cases, a tumor pressing on nerves may cause ptosis
Sudden double vision
Seeing double is most often caused by tired eyes or refractive errors. However, sudden double vision could indicate:
- Thyroid eye disease.Graves’ disease can cause bulging eyes and vision problems
- Brain aneurysm. A weakened blood vessel in the brain, which is rare but potentially life-threatening
Bulging eyes (proptosis)
This symptom is most commonly associated with Graves’ disease, but it can also be caused by:
- Orbital cellulitis. Infection behind the eye, requiring antibiotics
- Tumor behind the eye. Requires prompt medical evaluation
Unequal pupil size
Dilated or constricted pupils can be caused by various factors, including medications and lighting changes. However, a sudden, unexplained difference in pupil size could, in rare cases, indicate:
- Head injury. Can cause neurological damage affecting pupil control
- Brain tumor. Rarely, tumors can affect nerve function
This list is far from all-inclusive. Any persistent, sudden or concerning eye symptoms warrant a visit to your ophthalmologist.. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in preserving your vision. For anyone interested in vision correction, they can rest assured that the Omaha LASIK team at Kugler Vision conducts an in-depth series of scans and tests for every patient, to make sure we are detecting any potential vision issues before moving forward with a corrective procedure.
By being aware of these common eye symptoms and taking proactive steps for eye health, you can safeguard your vision and enjoy the world’s beauty for years to come.
As modern vision correction specialists, we at Kugler Vision are committed to serving Omaha LASIK patients’ needs on the journey to a life free from visual barriers. Take the first step with a thorough eye analysis to determine if you qualify for Modern LASIK. Omaha-area patients who aren’t candidates for LASIK may be candidates for one of our 6 other advanced vision correction treatments. Book online at LASIKOmaha.com.
Lance Kugler, MD, is a specialist in LASIK and vision correction surgery and CEO of Kugler Vision. A proud Omaha native, he is passionate about improving lives through clear vision. Dr. Kugler serves on several national boards, and his practice is recognized internationally as a center of excellence. Dr. Kugler is one of the original founders of the Refractive Surgery Alliance, an international organization comprised of over 350 of the world’s leading vision correction surgeons; he also served as its first president. In 2019, Dr. Kugler was selected as a TEDx speaker, and delivered a talk in Omaha about the worldwide epidemic of nearsightedness and refractive solutions. Dr. Kugler is an Associate Professor of Refractive Surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Truhlsen Eye Institute, has been published in many medical journals, and participates in numerous clinical studies to advance the field of vision correction surgery. Additionally, Dr. Kugler is proud to be a Board Certified Fellow of the World College of Refractive Surgery & Visual Sciences. Dr. Kugler and his wife are proud parents to five active kids. When he has a spare moment, he enjoys skiing, tennis, travel, and fine coffee.
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