When we experience unusual eye symptoms, a common reaction is to wonder if it is something that needs medical attention or if it will just clear up on its own. Our eyes can actually reveal a lot about our health, and while some eye symptoms are harmless, others can be a signal that something serious is going on. Here are explanations of six of those symptoms (some common, some less so) along with suggestions of when it would be a good idea to visit us for a more thorough diagnosis.
Eye Twitching
An eyelid twitch that comes and goes is one of those eye symptoms that most people will experience, and is typically caused by stress, fatigue, too much caffeine or digital eye strain.
When to be concerned: If the twitch lasts for several weeks, spreads to other facial muscles, or causes your eyelid to close completely, it should be evaluated.
Blurry Vision
Blurry vision can stem from many sources. Some are serious while others are nothing to be concerned about. Most cases are due to refractive errors, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism or focusing issues that are not being addressed properly with your current prescription lenses, while other cases might be from fatigue, eye strain, dry eye or medication side effects.
When to be concerned: If blurry vision comes on suddenly, especially in one eye, is accompanied by other symptoms such as headache, eye pain or dizziness, or does not improve with rest or corrective lenses, there could be a serious issue involved such as retinal detachment, stroke, concussion, glaucoma, cataracts or macular degeneration.
Floating Spots
Floaters are small shapes that drift across your vision and can look like specks, squiggly lines or cobwebs. They are very common and are typically the result of a change in the vitreous gel within the eye due to aging.
When to be concerned: A few floaters are usually harmless, but if you start noticing a marked increase in the number, you should let us evaluate you for possible serious conditions like retinal tears or detachment, eye infections or even tumors.
Dry or Burning Eyes
Dry, gritty, or burning eyes are increasingly common, especially in today’s digital world. These eye symptoms usually indicate minor conditions such as allergies, dry eye syndrome, a reaction to medication or staring at a screen for too long.
When to be concerned: Chronic dry eyes can affect your vision and eye health if not treated properly. If the dryness persists even after using artificial tears or if the discomfort affects your daily activities, we can evaluate you for underlying tear gland issues or inflammation.
Lump
A lump around your eye can be alarming, but is typically either a stye or a chalazion. A stye is a small painful lump that grows from the base of your eyelash or under the eyelid and is usually caused by a bacterial infection. A chalazion is a swollen bump on the eyelid that occurs when the eyelid’s oil gland clogs up. Both will usually clear up on their own with minimal care such as a warm compress and keeping it clean. Never try to pop the lump as that can create a more serious problem.
When to be concerned: If you have a large, painful stye or chalazion that doesn’t go away, it’s best to visit us for an evaluation as it may require a professional to drain it or an antibiotic to help clear it up. If the bump is an unusual color or seems to be changing color or shape, see us right away.
Vision Issues After a Head Injury
A brain injury caused by a blow to the head or concussion can affect the way the eyes and brain communicate. This disruption can affect visual skills like eye tracking, focusing, depth perception and visual processing.
When to be concerned: This is one of those cases when it is smart to be overly cautious. A head injury can have serious and lasting consequences on your vision if not treated properly, and eye symptoms are not always evident right away. If you experience a head injury, and especially if you notice any signs of blurred vision, headaches, dizziness or difficulty reading or focusing, make an appointment with us right away for a full evaluation.
Family Vision Development Center can Evaluate and Treat your Eye Symptoms
Your eyes can provide important clues about both your vision and your overall health. While some symptoms are harmless and temporary, others may signal underlying problems that require professional care. Visiting us for routine eye exams can be an essential step in identifying issues early, often before symptoms become severe. If you are experiencing unexplained changes in your vision or persistent eye discomfort, scheduling a comprehensive eye exam is the best way to protect your vision. Our team is here to help you solve any eye mystery – big or small. Book your comprehensive exam today by calling 630-862-2020 to keep your vision clear and comfortable all year long.
Family Vision Development Center is a full-service vision center offering innovative vision therapy services, sports vision therapy services, post-concussive vision rehabilitation, comprehensive vision exams for eyeglasses and contact lenses, management of ocular diseases including glaucoma, diabetes, macular degeneration and cataracts, and a state-of-the-art optical center offering the latest designs in eyewear.