Iit is extremely important to see an ophthalmologist for a complete exam once in your twenties, twice in your thirties, and thrice in your 40s
Recent data from the World Health Organisation says more than 2.2 billion people across the world have some form of near or distant vision impairment. Doctors say more than half of these can be prevented if you can notice the early signs and symptoms. According to experts, regular eye exams are extremely important so that you can get treated well in time.
Experts say it is extremely important to see an ophthalmologist for a complete exam once in your twenties, twice in your thirties, and thrice in your 40s to find early signs of disease or vision changes. However, if you are older than 60 years, you should have your eyes checked at least once in six months.
However, there are many eye conditions that may have symptoms that require immediate medical attention and cannot be ignored till your scheduled routine appointment. Here are five symptoms to take seriously:
Flashing lights and floaters in vision
If you notice a sudden increase in flashing lights or a small number of dots, circles, lines, or cobwebs—known as floaters blocking your vision - it could be a symptom of a tear or detachment of your retina.
According to experts, retina damage can be extremely serious and needs proper investigation and treatment. If you delay, a detached retina can lead to permanent vision loss or blindness.
Pain in the eyes
Many eye diseases are painless, but some conditions or injuries can result in severe and chronic pain. Doctors say many times, you may feel the pressure in your eyes, which is an indication of the setting of glaucoma, which happens when fluid builds up in the front part of your eyes, slowly damaging optic nerves.
Also, sometimes eye pain can be caused due to a scratched cornea, which leads to headache, nausea, vomiting, and seeing rainbow-coloured rings or halos around lights.
Dryness in the eyes
It is a very common sign and can be treated easily with over-the-counter eye lubricants. However, if it becomes a recurrent issue, leading to discomfort and disrupting your daily life, do not ignore dryness.
According to experts, it can be due to an issue with tear-producing glands surrounding your eyes. Also, dryness in the eyes can be due to an underlying autoimmune disorder—like Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and thyroid eye disease. If it is not treated well in time, dry eyes can cause severe inflammation of the conjunctiva, abrasions or ulcers of the cornea, and eye infections.
Blurry eyes
Blurred vision is a sign of many eye problems like angle-closure glaucoma, uveitis, and detached and torn retina. Doctors say all of these conditions are super serious and should not be ignored at all.
Still, many times, the number one cause of blurry vision can also be refractive—which means you may need glasses - which happens as people get older.
Discomfort while wearing contact lenses
While most people who wear contact lenses usually do not experience issues if they are used properly, occasionally you get serious infections. According to doctors, the symptoms of contact lens–related infections include blurry vision, unusual redness of the eye, pain in the eye, tearing or discharge from the eye, light sensitivity, and feeling like there is something in your eye.
In some cases, contact lens-related eye infections can cause serious vision loss or even blindness.
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