By Lizzie Weakley
Your eyes are important to functioning in everyday activities and enjoyment of life. You can help to protect your eyes by wearing protective sunglasses in bright sunlight, using goggles when working with chemicals and seeing an eye doctor on a regular basis. A number of symptoms can indicate a serious problem with your eyes that should be seen immediately by an eye specialist.
1 – Sudden Vision Loss
If you suddenly lose vision in a part of the eye or one eye, you should get to the doctor immediately to determine the cause of the problem. This symptom can indicate a number of different serious conditions, including macular degeneration, glaucoma or retinal detachment. Immediate medical attention can help to preserve sight in the eye. In some cases, surgery may be needed to prevent permanent blindness.
2 – Unusual Flashes or Floaters in the Eye
People often experience a number of floating spots, flashes or shadows across the field of vision. Although these symptoms are not always a sign of serious vision problems, they should be checked out by an eye doctor. In most cases, these spots and flashes are signs of aging in the viscous fluid of the eyes and do not require treatment. However, the symptoms can sometimes indicate retinal detachment that involves separation of the nerve layer at the back of the eye. This condition is very serious and can lead to blindness (Source: Londonderry Eye Care). An eye specialist uses special equipment to determine whether the symptoms are minor or caused by a more serious problem. These symptoms may require monitoring over time to ensure that the eye condition does not worsen.
3 – Persistent Eye Pain
If you experience eye pain that lasts for a period of time, you should see an eye specialist as soon as possible to ensure that it is not a serious eye disease. Although most eye conditions do not cause pain, a few may cause discomfort, such as an eye injury, glaucoma or cancer of the eye. A severe blow to the eye or head can cause retinal detachment, which requires immediate medical attention. If you have suffered an injury to the eye that causes pain, make an appointment to see an eye doctor to ensure that the injury is minor and needs no further treatment.
If you experience any of these signs, consult with an eye specialist immediately. In many cases, seeing your eye professional on a regular basis can help to detect problems in the early stages to prevent vision emergencies.
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