Eye disease is much more common than you think, with majority of sufferers surprised to learn they have even got an eye disease, as the subtle and everyday symptoms are rarely alarming.
The early symptoms of some eye disease are very minimal to non-existent. Sadly, majority of cases only raise the alarm when they disease is too far advanced to rectify fully. Often, when vision is lost, it cannot be restored despite 75 per cent of vision loss being preventable or treatable if caught early.
So here are simple symptoms that you would never guess to be problematic:
Dryness or irritation of the eyes
If you are experiencing irregular bursts of irritation, redness and dryness in your eyes, that tend to reoccur for extended periods of time, you could be developing an eye disease. This can often be mistaken as allergies so it is important to not take the risk and get your eyes checked. With diseases such as glaucoma, the only way to be sure is through an eye test.
Weeping or watering from the eyes
Regular and consistent watering or discharge from the eyes should be looked at to ensure it is not a bacterial infection or the beginnings of an eye disease.
Redness and swelling in the eyelids
If swelling and redness are reoccurring regularly or are consistently present, despite thinking it may be conjunctivitis or an eye stye, it could be the development of an eye disease.
Difficulty when driving at night
Unless someone is hitting you with their full beam headlights, sensitivity to bright lights and glare is a huge sign to a weakness in your eyes such as cataracts. If you frequently find this to be tough or are noticing glowing halos or rings around lights then you should think about finding out why.
Strain, pain or headaches when focusing
Focusing should not cause you that much discomfort. If you are finding that each time you read a book, check your emails or even attempt to sew on a button, that headaches appear and your eyes feel tired or sore, you could have a bigger problem then just brain-strain and the solution may be as simple as a pair of glasses or as complex as surgery.
If you identify with any of the above symptoms, have your eye tested this JulEYE. It’s as simple as making an appointment and as serious as saving you eyesight.
Disclaimer: Please contact a health professional if you experience any of the above symptoms.
