5 Eye Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

Eye health can sometimes feel like a guessing game – do you wait and see, or is it time to call the doctor? While some symptoms, like mild dryness or occasional itching, may resolve on their own, others can signal serious conditions that threaten your sight.

Knowing when to seek help can make the difference between quick treatment and long-term vision loss. Here are five eye symptoms that should always be taken seriously.

1. Eye Pain

No amount of eye pain should ever be considered normal. Eye pain can appear in two main forms:

• Ocular pain: irritation or discomfort on the surface of the eye, often from infection, trauma, or a foreign object.
• Orbital pain: deeper pain described as stabbing, throbbing, or aching, often requiring more extensive evaluation.

If your pain is paired with vision loss or changes, call your eye doctor immediately.

2. Double Vision

Double vision, or diplopia, means seeing two images of one object. It can occur in one or both eyes. While sometimes caused by something simple, like needing updated glasses, it can also signal much more serious conditions, such as nerve damage or even stroke.

Because of the wide range of possible causes, double vision should never be ignored.

3. Sudden Floaters or Flashes

Floaters are those little specks, squiggles, or thread-like shapes drifting across your vision. Flashes look like bursts of light or shooting stars. Occasional floaters and flashes are common, but a sudden increase – especially when the two occur together – can indicate retinal detachment.

This is a medical emergency that can cause permanent vision loss if not treated quickly.

4. Redness and Swelling

While mild redness from allergies or fatigue isn’t unusual, redness with swelling, pain, or irritation can point to infection, inflammation, or a scratched cornea. If your eyes look bloodshot and feel uncomfortable, don’t wait – schedule a professional exam.

5. Blurred Vision

Blurry vision can result from something as routine as needing a new prescription. But it can also indicate more serious conditions like cataracts, diabetic eye disease, or problems with the retina.

If your vision suddenly becomes fuzzy or changes noticeably, it’s best to get a comprehensive eye exam to pinpoint the cause.

Emergency Eye Care in Moses Lake

When it comes to eye health, waiting can be risky. Acting quickly ensures that problems are identified and treated before lasting damage occurs. At Advanced Eyecare Associates, we provide emergency eye care, annual exams, and a wide range of vision services for the whole family.

If you’ve experienced any of these symptoms – or it’s just been a while since your last exam – don’t delay. Call us at 509-519-3193 today to schedule your visit and protect your sight.

FAQ: Eye Symptoms and Emergencies

Should I go to urgent care for an eye infection?

• You can, but optometrists are better trained in eye-specific conditions and can monitor your recovery more closely than general medical staff.

What causes eye floaters?

• Floaters form when proteins inside the eye’s vitreous gel clump together, casting shadows on the retina. They’re common with age, but a sudden increase should be checked immediately.

When is blurred vision considered an emergency?

• If blurred vision comes on suddenly, is accompanied by other symptoms like pain or flashes of light, or affects only one eye, it could indicate a serious condition that requires immediate attention.

Can eye pain go away on its own?

• Mild irritation may resolve with rest or artificial tears, but sharp, throbbing, or persistent eye pain should never be ignored. It often signals infection, injury, or another condition that needs professional care.