Blurry Peripheral Vision Left Eye: 8 Critical Warning Signs of Serious Eye Problems
What are the warning signs of serious eye problems. How can you identify potential vision issues. When should you consult an eye doctor for vision changes. What symptoms indicate urgent eye care is needed. How can early detection prevent vision loss.
Sudden Changes in Vision Quality
One of the most noticeable symptoms of potential eye problems is a sudden change in vision quality. This can manifest in various ways:
- Blurred vision
- Distorted vision (straight lines appearing wavy)
- Changes in peripheral or central vision
These abrupt changes could indicate several serious conditions:
- Retinal detachment
- Angle-closure glaucoma
- Corneal infection
- Wet age-related macular degeneration
- Macular edema
- Conjunctivitis
- Diabetic retinopathy
Is immediate attention necessary for sudden vision changes? Yes, consulting an eye care professional promptly is crucial to prevent potential partial or total blindness.
Ocular and Periocular Swelling
Swelling on or around the eye can be a cause for concern. While often attributed to minor issues like allergies or minor injuries, persistent swelling may indicate more serious conditions:
- Black eye
- Corneal ulcer
- Graves’ disease
- Cellulitis
- Scleritis
- Blocked tear duct
- Conjunctivitis
- Blepharitis
Can swelling around the eye resolve on its own? In many cases, yes. However, if swelling persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical attention.
Persistent Headaches and Eye Strain
Headaches can vary in intensity and location, often manifesting as a dull ache or sharp pain behind the eyes or in the temples. While commonly associated with stress or fatigue, persistent headaches resistant to over-the-counter medications may indicate underlying eye conditions:
- Photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye)
- Angle-closure glaucoma
- Migraine
- Corneal infection
- Eyestrain
Are all headaches related to eye problems? No, but recurring headaches, especially those accompanied by vision changes, warrant a thorough eye examination.
Understanding Pressure Behind the Eye
Feeling pressure behind the eye can be disconcerting. This sensation may be related to various factors:
- Sinus congestion
- Optic neuritis
- Glaucoma
- Orbital inflammatory syndrome
Does pressure behind the eye always indicate a serious problem? Not necessarily, but persistent pressure should be evaluated by an eye care professional to rule out potentially serious conditions.
Red Eyes: More Than Just Irritation
Red eyes occur when blood vessels in the eye expand, causing the white part of the eye to appear pink or red. While often a result of minor irritants like allergens or environmental pollutants, persistent redness can signal more serious issues:
- Uveitis
- Blepharitis
- Conjunctivitis
- Glaucoma
Can red eyes lead to long-term damage? In some cases, yes. Conditions like uveitis or glaucoma, if left untreated, can potentially cause permanent vision loss.
Photophobia: When Light Becomes Painful
Photophobia, or light sensitivity, occurs when the eye struggles to cope with incoming light. While some degree of light sensitivity is normal, severe or prolonged photophobia may indicate:
- Migraine
- Cataracts
- Strabismus
- Allergies
- Keratoconus
- Corneal abrasion
Is photophobia always a sign of an eye problem? Not always, but persistent light sensitivity should be evaluated by an eye care professional to determine the underlying cause.
Floaters and Flashes: Harmless or Hazardous?
Floaters appear as small specks, lines, or cobweb-like shapes that seem to drift through your field of vision. While often harmless, a sudden increase in floaters, especially when accompanied by flashes of light, may indicate a serious condition:
- Retinal detachment
- Posterior vitreous detachment
- Retinal tear
Should all floaters be cause for concern? No, occasional floaters are common and usually harmless. However, a sudden increase in floaters, especially with flashes of light, requires immediate medical attention.
Understanding the Vitreous and Retina
The vitreous is a gel-like substance that fills the eye and helps maintain its shape. As we age, the vitreous can change consistency and pull away from the retina, leading to floaters. The retina is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye responsible for transmitting visual information to the brain.
What happens during a retinal detachment? The retina separates from its underlying supportive tissue, potentially leading to vision loss if not treated promptly.
Vision Loss: Gradual or Sudden
Vision loss can occur gradually or suddenly and may affect one or both eyes. It can manifest as:
- Partial or complete loss of vision
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Difficulty seeing in low light conditions
Several conditions can lead to vision loss:
- Age-related macular degeneration
- Glaucoma
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Retinal detachment
- Stroke or transient ischemic attack
Is all vision loss permanent? Not necessarily. Some causes of vision loss can be treated if caught early, emphasizing the importance of regular eye exams and prompt attention to vision changes.
The Importance of Regular Eye Exams
Regular eye exams play a crucial role in maintaining eye health and detecting potential problems early. During a comprehensive eye exam, an eye care professional can:
- Assess visual acuity
- Check for refractive errors
- Evaluate eye muscle balance
- Examine the internal structures of the eye
- Screen for eye diseases
How often should you have an eye exam? For adults with no risk factors, every 1-2 years is typically recommended. However, those with risk factors or existing eye conditions may need more frequent exams.
Eye Pain: When to Seek Help
Eye pain can range from a mild irritation to severe discomfort and may be accompanied by other symptoms. While some eye pain may be due to minor issues like dry eyes or eyestrain, persistent or severe pain could indicate:
- Corneal abrasion
- Uveitis
- Optic neuritis
- Acute angle-closure glaucoma
- Orbital cellulitis
Should you ignore mild eye pain? No, even mild eye pain that persists should be evaluated by an eye care professional to rule out potentially serious conditions.
Understanding Different Types of Eye Pain
Eye pain can be categorized into two main types:
- Ocular pain: Pain on the surface of the eye
- Orbital pain: Pain within the eye
What causes ocular pain? Ocular pain is often caused by irritation or injury to the cornea or conjunctiva. Common causes include foreign objects, dry eyes, and infections.
What causes orbital pain? Orbital pain may be caused by more serious conditions affecting the internal structures of the eye or surrounding tissues, such as glaucoma or optic neuritis.
The Role of Systemic Diseases in Eye Health
Many systemic diseases can affect eye health and vision. Some of the most common include:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Autoimmune disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
- Thyroid disorders
- Multiple sclerosis
How do these diseases affect the eyes? They can lead to various eye problems, including:
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Hypertensive retinopathy
- Dry eye syndrome
- Optic neuritis
- Uveitis
Is it important to inform your eye doctor about systemic health conditions? Absolutely. Your overall health history can provide valuable context for your eye health and help guide appropriate care and monitoring.
The Eye as a Window to Overall Health
The eyes can often provide early signs of systemic diseases. During an eye exam, an eye care professional may detect signs of:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol
- Autoimmune disorders
- Certain cancers
Can an eye exam detect all systemic diseases? While an eye exam can provide valuable insights into overall health, it is not a substitute for regular check-ups with a primary care physician.
Protecting Your Eye Health: Prevention and Early Detection
Maintaining good eye health involves a combination of preventive measures and early detection of potential problems. Here are some key strategies:
- Regular eye exams
- Protecting eyes from UV radiation
- Maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E
- Staying hydrated
- Practicing good hygiene when handling contact lenses
- Taking regular breaks when working on digital devices
- Quitting smoking
- Managing chronic health conditions
Can lifestyle changes really impact eye health? Yes, many eye conditions are influenced by lifestyle factors, and making positive changes can significantly reduce the risk of developing certain eye problems.
The Impact of Digital Devices on Eye Health
In today’s digital age, many people spend significant time looking at screens. This can lead to digital eye strain, characterized by:
- Eye fatigue
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Dry eyes
- Neck and shoulder pain
How can you reduce digital eye strain? Implementing the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds) can help, as can adjusting screen brightness and position, and using artificial tears to keep eyes lubricated.
By understanding these warning signs and taking proactive steps to protect your eye health, you can significantly reduce the risk of serious eye problems and maintain good vision throughout your life. Remember, when it comes to eye health, early detection and treatment are key. If you experience any of these warning signs or have concerns about your eye health, don’t hesitate to consult with an eye care professional.
8 ‘Do Not Ignore’ Warning Signs of Serious Eye Problems
Serious eye problems often do not cause any pain. Here are 8 warning signs that should not be ignored.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 21 million Americans are impacted by vision problems. Many of these issues are comparatively minor, such as mild hyperopia (farsightedness) or myopia (nearsightedness), both of which can be corrected with eyeglasses or contact lenses.
However, eye conditions such as glaucoma, retinal detachment, diabetic retinopathy and wet age-related macular degeneration can cause sudden damage to your eyes – even complete and permanent blindness, if your eye doctor doesn’t detect and treat them early.
It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of these serious eye conditions, so you can alert your eye doctor immediately if you are experiencing them.
Here are 8 “Do Not Ignore” warning signs of serious eye problems.
1. Sudden blurry or distorted vision
This symptom may be the most obvious one for patients to notice.
If you experience sudden blurriness or a distortion in your vision, like a straight line that appears wavy, consult your eye doctor immediately.
Sudden blurry vision can affect either your peripheral vision or in your central vision, and can be a sign of many very serious eye conditions.
Some of these conditions require immediate attention from an eye care professional in order to prevent permanent total or partial blindness.
Conditions that may cause blurry or distorted vision include:
- Detached retina
- Angle-closure glaucoma
- Corneal infection
- Wet age-related macular degeneration
- Macular edema
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Diabetic retinopathy
2. Swelling on or around the eye
Inflammation and irritation of the eyelids and the tissues surrounding the eye can cause the eye to swell and become discolored.
Swelling around the eye can be caused by trauma anywhere on the head, face or neck, or from a mild to severe allergic reaction to bug bites, pollen, animal dander or other allergens and irritants in the environment.
Usually, the swelling goes down as the affected area heals, or the allergens causing the swelling are removed.
However, if swelling persists over a longer period of time, this may be a sign of a more serious issue, such as:
- Black eye
- Corneal ulcer
- Graves’ disease
- Cellulitis
- Scleritis
- Blocked tear duct
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Blepharitis
3. Headaches
Headaches can feel different depending on what is causing them. Individuals can feel a dull ache or sharp pain behind their eyes or in the temples.
Headaches can come and go quickly, or they can linger for hours or days.
If there are no serious underlying issues, over-the-counter medications can be very helpful.
However, if regular headache medications aren’t working and the pain persists, it is advisable to consult healthcare professionals.
Although they are often a sign of emotional or physical stress, headaches can also be a symptom of serious eye conditions as well.
Some of these conditions may be emergencies requiring an urgent call to your eye doctor immediately.
Eye conditions that can cause headaches include:
- Photokeratitis (sunburn of the eye)
- Angle-closure glaucoma
- Migraine
- Corneal infection
- Eyestrain
SEE RELATED: Pressure Behind the Eye: 6 Frequent Causes
If you are experiencing any signs on this page you may have an eye disease or injury that requires immediate attention. Contact an eye doctor immediately.
Find an eye doctor near you
4. Red eyes
When your eyes become irritated or inflamed, the blood vessels expand, causing the white parts of your eyes to appear pink or red. This can be caused by a number of factors, including allergies, smoke and pollutants in the air around you.
If you suddenly notice red eyes, you may have an eye condition that, in serious cases, can potentially cause long-term eye damage and even blindness.
Injuries and conditions that can cause extended red eye are:
- Uveitis
- Blepharitis
- Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
- Glaucoma
5. Oversensitivity to light
Our eyes are naturally equipped to deal with varying degrees of light.
However, when the eye is unable to cope with the amount of incoming light, it causes what’s known as photophobia, or light sensitivity.
Some mild photophobia is normal, as when you walk outside after a movie at the theater, or when first waking up in the morning to sunlight in your room.
But severe photophobia that lingers may be a sign of something more serious.
Severe or extended photophobia may signal:
- Migraine
- Cataracts
- Strabismus (eye turn, either inward or outward)
- Allergies
- Keratoconus
- Corneal abrasion (a scratch on the eye)
5. Floaters
Floaters are the little lines, dots, specks and webs that seem to float around in your vision, especially when you’re looking at plain or blank objects, such as a white wall or blank computer screen.
If you experience a sudden onset of floaters, or more floaters than you’re accustomed to, you should contact your eye doctor immediately.
Although they seem to be floating around in front of your eyes, what you are actually seeing is clumps of cells floating inside your eyes. These clumps cast shadows on the retina, at the back of your eye, and appear as floaters.
As with many things on this list, occasional floaters in small numbers should not be cause for concern.
Some conditions that may cause severe floaters are:
- Uveitis
- Torn retina
- Detached retina
- Ocular lymphoma
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Posterior vitreous detachment
6. Night blindness
Normally the eye is well equipped to handle low-light situations. The pupil will expand to take in as much available light as possible, allowing us to see in poorly-lit environments.
Some serious eye conditions limit the eye’s ability to take in this light or to process it, making it difficult to see at night or in dimly lit environments.
Conditions that can cause night blindness include:
- Nystagmus
- Glaucoma
- Cataracts
- Retinitis pigmentosa
7. Flashes
Sudden flashes in your vision can be common as you age, as this usually happens as a result of vitreous fluid tugging or rubbing on the retina, at the back of your eye.
If you notice lights that can appear as lightning flashes, flashing bulbs, or bright stars, these can be the first sign of injury or other eye conditions.
A worrying sign is seeing these after a head injury or concussion.
Conditions that can cause flashes include:
- Migraine
- Detached retina
- Torn retina
- Post-surgical complications
LEARN MORE: Guide to Eye Health
If you are experiencing any signs on this page you may have an eye disease or injury that requires immediate attention. Contact an eye doctor immediately.
It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of serious eye conditions, so you can alert your eye doctor immediately if you are experiencing them.
Early treatment of serious eye conditions could restore your vision and ensure you enjoy years of good eye health.
Digital Eye Strain – Optometrists.org
Can digital devices cause eye strain?
Digital device usage has increased substantially in recent years across all age groups, so that extensive daily use for both social and professional purposes is now normal. Digital devices include computers, laptops, mobile phones, tablets and gaming consoles.
Digital eye strain (DES), also known as computer vision syndrome (CVS) affects over 50 percent of people, including both children and adults.
Symptoms fall into two main categories: those linked to accommodative or binocular vision stress, and external symptoms linked to dry eye.
Contact a vision therapy eye doctor who can diagnose and treat your digital eye strain to alleviate your symptoms.
SEE RELATED: Why Is My Eye Twitching?
Find an eye doctor near you
How does digital eye strain affect adults?
According to recent data, approximately 80 percent of American adults use a digital device for more than two hours per day— and 67 percent use two or more devices simultaneously.
It has been reported that 59 percent of adults suffer from symptoms of DES.
Recent data shows:
- 35% experience neck and shoulder pain
- 32% experience sore or tired eyes
- 28% experience blurred vision
- 27% experience headaches
- 27% experience dry eyes
Unfortunately, these DES symptoms typically lead to most adults feeling exhausted by the end of the day, even though their job requires minimal physical exertion.
How is digital eye strain diagnosed?
Digital eye strain can be diagnosed during an eye exam.
During your exam, inform your eye doctor about your home and work habits — specifically if you use a computer for an extended period of time throughout the day. Also, it is a good idea to measure the distance between your eyes and your computer screen, to enable a proper assessment of your eyes at that specific distance.
If a diagnosis of digital eye strain is confirmed, your doctor may prescribe specific glasses or a vision therapy program to improve your visual skills and can also discuss necessary behavioral changes to reduce your symptoms.
Schedule an eye exam with a vision therapy eye doctor who can diagnose and treat your digital eye strain.
Can vision therapy treat digital eye strain?
Yes.
According to research, vision therapy can significantly improve symptoms associated with digital eye strain. During vision therapy, you will learn how to train your eyes and brain to work together, to improve your visual skills.
Vision therapy exercises to improve binocular vision may target:
- Eye movement skills
- Eye focusing skills
- Eye teaming skills
Behavioral changes to alleviate symptoms
There area variety of behavioral changes you can make to help to reduce your discomfort from digital eye strain.
Appropriate lighting: Digital eye strain is often caused by bright sunlight or harsh fluorescent lighting. Appropriate lighting is important while using a computer — close window curtains and use “soft white” indoor lighting.
Also, position your computer with all windows to the side of your screen, instead of behind or in front of it.
Reduce glare: Any light that reflects off of your computer screen can cause a glare, and result in eye strain. To reduce the effects of glare, you can purchase an anti-glare screen that can be installed on your computer.
Additionally, if you already wear corrective eyeglasses, make sure that your lenses are made with anti-reflective (AR) coatings.
Replace older computer screens: Computers with cathode-ray tube (CRT) monitors are known to cause a “flicker” of images —a common cause of digital eye strain and fatigue. Newer flat-panel LED screens have an anti-reflective surface to make screen time more comfortable for your eyes.
If you haven’t done so already, replace your old monitor with a new LED screen —preferably with a large display and the highest resolution possible.
Adjust your display settings: The display settings of your computer or digital device can be adjusted to help minimize eye strain and fatigue.
- Brightness. Adjust the brightness of your screen so it’s similar to the brightness of your room.
- Text color and size. Adjust text color and size —black text on a white background is easiest on the eyes.
- Reduce blue light. Adjust the color temperature of your screen to “warmer” colors such as red and orange to reduce blue light emission, which can also cause eye strain.
Keep blinking: Blinking helps your eyes to stay moist, and prevents dry eyes and irritation. According to research, people blink less frequently when staring at a computer screen.
To avoid dry eyes, try to remember to blink 10 times (with full eyelid closure), every 20 minutes. Your eye doctor may also recommend eye drops which could provide some relief from dry eyes.
20-20-20 rule: Digital eye strain can be caused by focusing fatigue —or staring at your computer screen or smart phone for too long.
The 20-20-20 rule involves looking at something that is 20 feet away, for 20 seconds, every 20 minutes. Looking at distant images relaxes the ocular muscles responsible for focusing, thereby reducing fatigue.
Make your workstation comfortable: Digital eye strain can also cause neck, back and shoulder pain. Make sure that your desk and chair are at a comfortable height so your feet can rest on the floor, and that your computer screen is positioned just below your eye level and 20-24 inches away from your eyes.
Also, take frequent breaks away from your computer to stretch and decrease muscle tension.
Computer glasses: Computer glasses may be a good option if you spend many hours on a computer, even if you don’t usually wear glasses for distance or reading. Computer glasses are also helpful if you wear contact lenses and experience dry eyes after prolonged screen time.
You may also benefit from computer glasses if you wear bifocals or progressive lenses, as they may not be able to provide adequate vision clarity of the computer screen. If you are concerned about blue light emissions, computer glasses can be made with specifically tinted lenses, to reduce blue light exposure.
Don’t wait…
If you think you may be suffering from digital eye strain, make an appointment with an eye doctor.
LEARN MORE: Guide to Eye Conditions
Your doctor can prescribe a vision therapy program to improve your visual skills and binocular vision— enhancing your work performance… and quality of life.
Peripheral vision disorders
Peripheral vision disorders
If you look at a certain point or object in front of you, then in addition to it we will see everything that surrounds it – this ability of the eye is called peripheral vision.
Peripheral vision or field of vision is provided by a large number of special retinal nerve cells, the so-called rods, located over its entire surface. Unlike cones, which are located mainly in the central zone of the retina and, due to their design, provide high-quality central and color vision, rods have a much lower resolution, that is, peripheral vision is much weaker than central and provides vision in low light conditions, the so-called twilight vision. Thus, the main task of peripheral vision is orientation in space.
Violations of peripheral vision, meanwhile, can be associated not only with damage to the retina, but also sensitive processes of nerve cells that carry information to the brain, which is much more common in practice.
Types of peripheral vision disorders
Normally, a person has a fairly wide range of peripheral vision.
Peripheral visual disturbances may be associated with the appearance of small non-functioning areas or cattle, which may not be visible to a person – that is, simply an area with loss of vision or described as spots of dark color.
The field of view can narrow down to the point that it is a small island in the central region, while a person looks at the world around him, as if through a small tube – this change is called tunnel vision.
There are also possible partial loss in the field of view in a different volume, for one half, a quarter, and so on. Peripheral visual impairment can occur in one or both eyes.
Causes of peripheral vision disorders
There are a lot of possible causes of peripheral vision impairment, among them the most common are: . At the beginning of the disease, these may be small areas of loss of peripheral vision, but with the progression of glaucoma, the boundaries of the visual field gradually and irrevocably narrow – up to a complete loss of peripheral and central vision, that is, blindness.
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- Damage to the optic nerve due to circulatory disorders in the vessels that feed it, inflammation, tumors or trauma.
- Injury to the brain due to circulatory disorders in the vessels, hemorrhage, tumor or trauma to the brain.
- Increased intracranial pressure with the development of damage to the optic nerve.
Diagnostics
Peripheral vision disorders can be determined approximately and with the help of special equipment. The approximate definition of peripheral vision rather roughly shows pronounced and extensive impairments of peripheral vision – while the examined person sits on a chair 1 meter opposite the examining person, who is supposed to have good peripheral vision. The eyes are closed in turn, for example, the subject closes the left eye, and the examiner closes the right eye, and the peripheral vision is checked, moving an object from the periphery to the center, until the subject notices it.
A special examination to determine peripheral vision disorders is carried out on special equipment – perimeters. There are two types of perimetry – the so-called kinetic, when a person fixes his gaze on a point in the center of the device and notices the appearance of a small bright spot from the periphery to the center. The second type is modern computerized models of the so-called static perimetry.
During perimetry, a person also fixes a small light in the center, but peripheral vision is determined by the response to the appearance of luminous points in different parts of the field of view. A different number of points of examination of peripheral vision, different brightness of such stimuli and computer processing of the results make it possible to determine the violations in peripheral vision and their severity as accurately as possible.
Treatment
Impairment of peripheral vision is a symptom of various diseases, so the treatment of the cause of this disorder comes first.
You must take care of your health, and if you have problems with orientation in space, especially in the evening and at night, any defects in the field of vision, immediately contact an ophthalmologist.
Disease symptoms – POLIST
Blurred vision, spots before the eyes, glare at night – all this can be a symptom of an eye disease. On the next slides, we will talk about eye diseases and offer two simple vision tests. You will be able to see the world around you through the eyes of people with vitreous opacity, cataracts, myopia and glaucoma.
Color blindness test (eye test for the ability to distinguish colors)
What number do you see in the left picture? If the number is “3”, then you have full color vision. If the number is “5” – perhaps color vision is impaired. The middle picture shows the image that a person with partial color blindness sees. Congenital color blindness occurs in 10% of men and almost never occurs in women. Complete color blindness is very rare; in this case, the person does not see any numbers, as shown in the right picture. Glasses with tinted lenses are used to correct color vision disorders.
Nearsightedness (myopia)
Risk factors for myopia include:
• Hereditary predisposition (myopia in one or both parents)
• Long-term visual work at close range
Myopia interferes with driving, playing sports, studying and even watching TV. Myopia causes headache, strabismus and increased fatigue. To correct myopia, doctors use glasses and contact lenses; some patients undergo surgical treatment.
Farsightedness (hypermetropia)
Most people are born with slight farsightedness, which gradually disappears as the child grows. If farsightedness persists, then you can see well into the distance, and see objects close to you indistinctly. In the development of hypermetropia, hereditary predisposition matters. With hypermetropia, there are difficulties in reading, rapid eye fatigue, blurry vision at night, and headache. To correct hypermetropia, doctors prescribe glasses and contact lenses. Some patients undergo surgical treatment.
Age-related farsightedness (presbyopia)
Difficulties in reading small text, like gray hair and wrinkles, are a sign of aging. Symptoms of presbyopia (translated from Greek – “old eye”) appear at the age of 40-50 years. The lens becomes less elastic and loses the ability to change its shape. Reading glasses or bifocals are used to correct presbyopia.
Myopia changes
The main cause of myopia is an increase in the length of the eyeball. The development of myopia can also contribute to a change in the shape of the cornea or lens. With myopia, the image of objects is formed not on the retina (the inner shell of the eye), but in front of it. As a rule, myopia develops in schoolchildren and progresses as the child grows. Therefore, children often have to change glasses or contact lenses. As a rule, vision stabilizes by the age of 20.
Changes in hypermetropia
Hypermetropia is caused by a decrease in the length of the eyeball. In hypermetropia, the image of objects is not formed on the retina, but behind it, which leads to blurry vision of closely spaced objects. The development of hypermetropia can also contribute to a change in the shape of the cornea or lens. Children with a high degree of hypermetropia often develop strabismus and difficulty reading. Therefore, experts recommend regularly checking children’s eyesight.
Astigmatism
With astigmatism, a person loses the ability to see both near and far objects clearly. The reason for the development of astigmatism is the deformation of the cornea – the anterior transparent part of the eyeball. This leads to the fact that the light rays do not converge on the retina at one point, as it normally does. Symptoms of astigmatism include headache, fatigue, and eye strain. Doctors use glasses or contact lenses to correct astigmatism.
Refractive surgery
Do you dream of good vision without glasses? Your dream can become a reality! Modern surgical methods of treatment aimed at changing the shape of the cornea can successfully correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism in 90% of cases. However, with dry eye syndrome, thin corneas, or severe visual impairment, surgical treatment is not performed. Side effects of refractive surgery include glare or increased sensitivity to light.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a gradual decrease in visual acuity due to increased intraocular pressure. Symptoms of the disease may be absent until there is a partial loss of peripheral vision. Therefore, for the timely detection of glaucoma, regular examinations should be carried out. Risk factors for glaucoma: family history and age over 60. Doctors use medication or surgery to treat glaucoma.
Changes in glaucoma
The main reason for the development of glaucoma is the accumulation of intraocular fluid, which leads to an increase in intraocular pressure and damage to the optic nerve, through which information about the subject comes from the retina to the brain. Left untreated, glaucoma can lead to blindness. Image Description: The bright yellow spot is the optic disc that is damaged in glaucoma. The dark spot in the central part of the retina is the macula, which provides clear central vision.
Macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the clarity of central vision required for reading and driving. Symptoms of the disease are the appearance of a dark spot or distortion of straight lines. Timely diagnosis and treatment of AMD can prevent vision loss. Risk factors for developing AMD include: age over 60, smoking, hypertension, obesity, and hereditary predisposition.
Changes in macular degeneration
AMD damages the central part of the retina – the macula. Dry form of AMD is the appearance of yellow deposits in the macula. As the dry form progresses, the macula breaks down and transmission of signals from the retina to the brain stops. In the wet form of AMD, new blood vessels form and rupture leading to scarring and damage to the macula. Both forms of AMD result in a central visual field defect.
Macular Degeneration Test
The Amsler test cannot replace an eye exam, but it can detect early symptoms of macular degeneration.
You can test with reading glasses. The distance from the computer monitor to your eyes should be 30-37 cm. Close one eye with your palm, and with the other eye look at the dot in the center of the grid. Normally, you should not see wavy, broken or fuzzy lines, dark areas.
Test the other eye.
Symptoms of macular degeneration
In severe macular degeneration, the Amsler grating looks crooked and there is a dark spot in the center of the grating. The transformation of straight lines into wavy ones is the first symptom of wet AMD, a severe and progressive form of macular degeneration. If during the test you find symptoms of AMD, contact your ophthalmologist immediately.
Diabetic retinopathy
Diabetes mellitus type I and II can lead to partial or complete loss of vision. Small vessels of the retina are involved in the pathological process. Timely treatment can prevent vision loss. Patients with diabetes should have an eye examination every year or every two years. Prevention of diabetic retinopathy is to maintain normal blood glucose levels.
Diabetic retinopathy changes
An increase in blood glucose leads to damage and rupture of small retinal vessels. In some patients, new blood vessels form in the retina, a condition called proliferative retinopathy. Unlike normal vessels, these vessels are very fragile and break easily. Gradual damage to the retina leads to loss of clarity of vision, the appearance of spots before the eyes and, ultimately, blindness.
Cataract
The aging process is reflected in the eyes: by the age of 80, cataracts (clouding of the lens) develop in more than 50% of people. Vision gradually becomes blurred, making it difficult for people to read, drive, and navigate at night. Risk factors for developing cataracts include diabetes, smoking, and prolonged exposure to direct sunlight. To treat cataracts, doctors perform lens replacement surgery.
Cataract changes
Normally, the lens provides a clear image on the retina. As we age, protein is deposited in the lens, causing it to become cloudy. Scattered rays fall on the retina, so a clear image is not formed. Symptoms of cataracts: blurred vision, change in color perception, glare, especially at night. A mature cataract is visible to the naked eye.
Retinitis pigmentosa
Retinitis pigmentosa is a hereditary disease of the retina, the first symptom of which is impaired night vision. In the future, there is a gradual loss of peripheral vision, and in some cases blindness develops. Research suggests that high doses of vitamin A can prevent vision loss. However, before taking vitamin A, you should consult your doctor, as it can be dangerous in large doses.
Changes in retinitis pigmentosa
In retinitis pigmentosa, there is a gradual destruction of the light-sensitive layer of the retina, as a result of which signals cease to flow to the brain, and partial loss of vision occurs. When examining the fundus, dark spots can be detected. Patients with retinitis pigmentosa develop early cataracts and retinal edema – macular edema.
Vitreous clouding
Flies in front of the eyes may be due to clouding of the vitreous body, which is easy to see in bright light. Opacification of the vitreous body is quite common and does not require treatment. However, if flashes of light, black or white spots appear in front of the eyes, a decrease in visual acuity, or if peripheral vision is lost, you should consult a doctor.
Amblyopia (“lazy eye”)
With a decrease in visual acuity in one eye, most of the visual load falls on the other eye. This disorder is called amblyopia and occurs in children. In addition, amblyopia often develops with strabismus. You can make the “lazy eye” work by “turning off” the healthy eye with a patch or drops. If left untreated, amblyopia can persist into adulthood.
Foreign body in the eye
There are a lot of nerve endings under the cornea, so even a small grain of sand in the eye can cause severe pain. Rinse the eye with warm water and never rub it. If the foreign body cannot be removed by rinsing, seek medical attention. The doctor will remove the foreign body and put antibiotic drops in the eye to prevent infection of the cornea.
Dry eye syndrome
Lacrimal fluid is essential for moisturizing the eyes. If it is not enough, the eyes begin to hurt and itch. To eliminate dry eyes, there are special drops – artificial tears. However, some patients require other drugs or manipulations to clear the tear ducts to treat dry eye syndrome.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye that can be caused by viruses, bacteria, irritants or allergens. With conjunctivitis, redness, itching, burning, discharge from the eyes are observed. The most common is viral conjunctivitis. Antibiotic drops are only used to treat bacterial conjunctivitis. Both types of conjunctivitis are contagious, so you need to wash your hands as often as possible.
Barley
Barley is a red bump located on the edge of the eyelid. Barley is a type of infectious disease of the eyelid (blepharitis). As a rule, barley passes within a week. You can speed up recovery with the help of warm, wet compresses, which should be applied to the affected area 3 to 6 times a day. Until the stye is gone, do not wear contact lenses or do eye makeup.
Allergy
Allergy is manifested by lacrimation and itching. Allergens include plant pollen, grass, dust, weeds, and pet dander. To avoid contact with allergens, use special covers for mattresses and pillows, carry out thorough cleaning and install anti-allergic filters in air conditioners. Allergy eye drops, artificial tears, and antihistamines can be used to relieve symptoms.
Regular ophthalmological examination
By the age of 40, a complete ophthalmological examination is required. It allows you to identify not only eye diseases, but also other diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension. Pathology revealed during an ophthalmological examination helps to diagnose stroke, brain tumor and other serious diseases. The protrusion of the eyeballs (exophthalmos) indicates a pathology of the thyroid gland, and the yellow color of the sclera (white part of the eye) indicates liver diseases.
Sun protection for the eyes
UV radiation can damage not only the skin, but also the eyes. Regular prolonged exposure to the sun can lead to the early development of cataracts, and prolonged exposure to the sun can result in corneal burns. Sunglasses and a hat help protect your eyes from ultraviolet radiation. People with light eyes are more sensitive to the effects of light. Please note that severe sensitivity to light, accompanied by headache or nausea, is a symptom of eye disease.
Daily eye protection
Doing housework can damage your eyes: oil splatters from a frying pan, grass flies off a lawn mower, caustic cleaning agent spills from a bucket. Therefore, while working at home, housewives should wear safety glasses. If, nevertheless, you failed to protect your eyes, and you are injured, consult a doctor immediately.
Nutrition for eye health
The following foods are good for the eyes: carrots, spinach, nuts, oranges, beef, fish, whole grains.