It is common for people to experience a range of eye health issues throughout their lifetime. Some issues are treatable and some, if not treated in a timely manner, can permanently change your quality of health.
You should always be sensitive to all eye concerns. Many basic eye problems can go away over time, but in other cases, you might need to visit a specialist. Getting your eyes checked regularly, at least once a year, can be beneficial. Below is a list of eye symptoms that can either reveal or result in more severe eye conditions.
Red eyes
The white surface of the eye can appear red due to blood vessels expanding when irritated or infected. This can be caused by eye strain, lack of sleep, bacteria, and/or allergies. Red eyes can also be an indicator of a developing eye condition such as conjunctivitis or sun damage. If symptoms remain, you are advised to visit your MP to discuss a solution.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin layer that covers both the white part of the eye and the inner part of the eyelid. Conjunctivitis is also known as “pink eye”, named for the pinkish, reddish colour that it gives the eye. The most common strains of pink eye are usually caused by bacteria and they can be quite contagious. If you notice red or irritated eyes, and they do not clear up on their own, it is advised that you consult your MP.
Bloodshot eyes
This condition can occur when blood vessels inside the eye rupture, giving the whites of your eye a pink or reddish colour. There are a variety of reasons why someone may experience red, bloodshot eyes, which could vary from something minor to a condition that needs immediate care.
Dry eyes
The condition known as dry eyes is extremely common and occurring more and more. Reasons for this spike in people suffering from dry eyes are the changing of the environment, the increase in digital screen use (you tend to blink less due to this) and even diet habits can have an effect.
Besides these external factors, these symptoms may be caused by reduced production or no production of tears, or increased evaporation of tears. Tears keep the eyes moist, healthy, and infection-free. Over-the-counter eye drops can offer temporary relief of this issue, but if your symptoms persist, it is advised that you contact your MP to get advice if it does not heal automatically.
Eye strain
Your eyes can become tired or strained when concentrating for long periods of time. This eye strain is also known as asthenopia, and it can happen due to pressure on the nerves in the eye and the eye muscles becoming overused and exhausted. It can also be caused by lack of sleep (insomnia), nutrient deficiencies, or exposure to light or pollution. The symptoms you could experience are headaches, eye muscle pain, and difficulty in focusing.
Eye fatigue
If you notice your eyes burning, itching, or feeling heavy, then these symptoms could be caused by eye fatigue. Daily habits such as the use of gadgets, game consoles, and other digital devices can be some of the main causes of eye fatigue. It is common when looking at a computer screen or a mobile phone to blink less often than you normally do.
A normal eye blinks around 18 times in a minute; which is the eye’s natural way of refreshing itself. Reading, writing, and driving are activities that can also cause eye fatigue. The symptoms that tend to be related to eye fatigue are sore eyes, focus issues, sensitivity to light, and neck, shoulder or back pain.
Blurred vision
Blurred vision can occur when eye(s) cannot focus on an object, either distant or nearby. Nearsightedness, farsightedness, presbyopia, or astigmatism can all be potential causes of blurred vision. These conditions, however, can generally be treated using glasses or contact lenses. Blurred vision can also have other causes varying from eye infection and side effects from medicines, to headaches and migraines.
