Eye Symptoms Needing Immediate Attention

The eye is a complex structure and vision is an important part of our daily life. It is good to be aware of symptoms that may cause a potential threat to your vision.

When should I see my eye doctor or get help?

Go to an urgent care center or see your eye doctor immediately if you have any of the following eye symptoms:

• complete or partial loss of vision
• pain in or around your eye
• sensitivity to light
• new spots or "floaters" in your field of vision
• halos around light
• a pupil that has developed an irregular shape
• redness or excessive tearing
• severe itching and burning
• appearance of thick greenish or white discharge from the eye
• blurred vision that lasts more then a few minutes
• injury to an eye including scratches, burns, chemical in the eye
• something imbedded in your eye (such as a piece of glass)
• flashes of light and/or floating spots or lines in your vision
• double vision.

In the event of an eye injury, getting immediate medical care may prevent loss of sight. Although first aid is helpful, it is difficult to know the extent of damage to the eye without getting checked by an eye doctor.

What is the cause of eye symptoms?

There are many possible causes. Many medical problems can cause eye problems. Illnesses such as diabetes or hypertension can also contribute to vision problems. Some vision changes may be caused by a problem in the brain. Others may be related to medicine or nerve or muscle diseases. There are also many eye disorders such as cataracts, glaucoma, or a detached retina that can cause symptoms. Having your eyes checked by an eye doctor will help you discover the cause and prevent further problems.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File EYE4212F.HTM Release 9.0/2006

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