Like any other medical condition, it’s good for you to be familiar with symptoms of common eye conditions so you know what to look out for, what you can do and when to seek help.
Your eyes can also indicate signs of more problematic issues to do with your general health like diabetes and high blood pressure. Symptoms of these conditions are not always obvious, so regular eye exams are an essential part of maintaining your health.
The conditions below are all common – and can affect anyone in their lifetime
Astigmatism
Astigmatism is a common condition in which a difference in the shape of the eye causes blurry or distorted vision
Chalazion
A chalazion is a small lump, or cyst, that develops slowly in the eyelid
Cloudy vision
Often confused with blurry vision, cloudy vision is when objects appear ‘milky’ as if you’re looking through a cloudy piece of glass in one or both eyes
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as pink eye, occurs when the membrane that lines the inner eyelid and eyeball becomes infected or inflamed
Corneal ulcer
An eye or corneal ulcer is a painful sore that develops on the front surface of your eye
Diabetes
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that leads to blood vessel damage at the back of the eye (the retina)
Digital eye strain
Focusing on a digital screen for an extended period of time can cause eye strain and exacerbate any other symptoms you are experiencing
Double vision
Double vision, formally known as diplopia, can have several causes and may present in different ways.
Dry eye syndrome
Dry eye occurs when the eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly
Eyelid twitching
Most people will recognize the sensation of a twitching eyelid. It’s very common and can occur to anyone at any time, usually intermittently
Floaters
Floaters are a very common condition where one sees spots in their vision that may present as black or grey specks, cobwebs, or strings
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, the nerve that connects the eye to the brain
Hyperopia
A common visual condition where you can see objects in the distance better than objects up close.
Presbyopia
It’s a gradual process, but you’ll start to notice change in close vision from around the age of 40
Hay fever
Hay fever, or allergic rhinitis, is an allergic reaction that can irritate and inflame the eyes
Macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive retinal condition that affects your central vision
Myopia
Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a condition in which one can see objects up close relatively well but has difficulty seeing distant objects clearly
Ocular hypertension
Ocular hypertension is a condition in which the pressure in the eye, intraocular pressure, is higher than normal
Ocular migraines
Ocular migraines, more formally known as retinal migraines, can produce alarming symptoms which usually resolve on their own in less than an hour
Red eyes
Red eyes can be a result of many conditions, including irritation, inflammation, infection, or allergy
Retinal detachment
Although this is a more serious eye condition, it can be treated in its varying stages
Stye
Also known as a hordeolum, a stye is a small, painful lump developing on the inside or outside the eyelid
Watery eyes
Watery eyes occur if too many tears are produced or if they cannot drain away properly
Noticed a change in your eyesight?
If you have any concerns about your eye health, contact or visit your local optometrist immediately – even if you do not have an appointment.
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