Our eyes are constantly adapting to the world around us, but sometimes, changes in vision could signal something more than just temporary strain.
Understanding what these changes could mean and when to seek help from a professional is vital for maintaining your eye health.
At Optique At West Paces, we want to ensure you know when to act.
What Causes Changes in Vision?
Vision changes can be caused by various factors, ranging from age-related conditions to more serious underlying health problems. Some of the most common causes include:
- Aging: As we grow older, the natural aging process of the eyes can lead to changes such as presbyopia, cataracts, and macular degeneration.
- Health Conditions: Conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and autoimmune diseases can affect vision, sometimes leading to more serious complications if left untreated.
- Injury or Trauma: Any injury to the eyes or surrounding areas can cause sudden changes in vision and should be treated immediately to prevent long-term damage.
Common Vision Changes and What They Might Mean
Blurry Vision
Blurry vision is one of the most common changes people experience. It can happen suddenly or gradually and may affect one or both eyes.
Blurry vision may be caused by:
- Refractive errors like nearsightedness or farsightedness
- Dry eyes or digital eye strain
- Cataracts or macular degeneration
If the blurriness persists or worsens, it’s essential to schedule an eye exam to determine the cause and prevent further vision impairment.
Sudden Vision Loss
Sudden vision loss is a medical emergency and should never be ignored. Whether partial or total, loss of vision can be caused by conditions such as:
- Retinal detachment
- Glaucoma
- Stroke or other neurological problems
Immediate medical attention is necessary to prevent permanent vision loss.
Flashes of Light or Floaters
Seeing flashes of light or an increase in floaters in your vision can indicate issues with the retina, such as detachment or tears. This can also be a sign of inflammation or bleeding within the eye. If you experience these symptoms, seek care immediately to avoid severe complications.
Double Vision
Double vision, also known as diplopia, can be unsettling. It may be caused by:
- Problems with the eye muscles or nerves
- Cataracts
- Stroke or neurological disorders
Double vision should never be ignored, especially if it comes on suddenly, as it could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
Increased Sensitivity to Light
Increased light sensitivity, or photophobia, can indicate several issues, including:
- Migraines
- Eye infections
- Cataracts or corneal conditions
If you notice a significant increase in sensitivity to light, it’s time to get your eyes checked to rule out any serious conditions.
Difficulty Seeing at Night
Struggling to see at night or in low light conditions could be an early sign of cataracts, retinitis pigmentosa, or vitamin A deficiency. This issue can pose a safety risk, especially when driving, so addressing it early is key.
Eye Pain or Discomfort
Eye pain should never be ignored, as it could indicate a serious condition like glaucoma, infection, or inflammation. Even mild discomfort that persists over time warrants professional evaluation.
When Should You Seek Help?
You should seek help from an eye care professional if you experience any of the following:
- Sudden or severe vision changes: Any abrupt loss of vision, flashes of light, or significant blurriness requires immediate medical attention.
- Persistent symptoms: If you notice ongoing discomfort, blurry vision, or headaches, it’s best to have your eyes checked.
- Routine checkups: Even if your vision seems fine, regular eye exams are crucial to detect early signs of conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, or age-related macular degeneration.
Request An Eye Exam At Optique At West Paces
Recognizing changes in your vision and knowing when to seek help can prevent small issues from becoming serious problems.
If you’ve noticed any changes, from blurriness to flashes of light, don’t wait — schedule an eye exam at Optique At West Paces.
Early intervention is key to protecting your eyesight and overall well-being.