Eye Changes That Need Immediate Attention
By Sandy Schroeder
We all rely on our eyes in almost everything we do, but sometimes forget to protect them with regular eye checkups.
You may find it difficult to focus on things that are close up, or feel the effects of dry eyes with grittiness or tearing. Regular checkups will help you keep your vision up to par. You may find you could use computer glasses for work, or you may want transition glasses for driving.
At the same time, your doctor will be checking for serious eye problems that can lead to blindness. Spotting early signs can be crucial with cataracts, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.
See your ophthalmologist immediately if you have any of these symptoms from Harvard Health.
- Crossed eyes
- Dark spot in center of vision
- Iris eye color change
- Double vision
- Dry eyes with burning and itching
- Excess tearing or discharge
- Cloudy vision
- Difficulty focusing on objects near or far
- Pain in the eye
- Swelling bump on eyelid
- Halos, colored circles around lights or glare
- Floaters or flashers in vision
- Redness around eye
- Sudden loss of vision
- Lowered curtain effect blocking vision
- Loss of peripheral vision
- Unable to close eyelid
- Difficulty adjusting to a dark room
- Sensitivity to glare or lights
- Straight lines look crooked or wavy
Steps to Keep Eyes Healthy
In addition to eye checkups, keep your vision strong with simple steps.
Wear sunglasses outside – Avoid cataracts and macular degeneration with shades that block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.
Use safety glasses – Protect your eyes from hazardous or airborne objects at home. Wear sports goggles and helmets for lacrosse, ice hockey or racquetball. If your kids play football, try to get them an eye shield for their helmet.
Don’t smoke – The risks of cataracts, macular degeneration and damage to the optic nerve are increased by smoking.
Eat healthy – Keep vision strong with a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, Vitamin C and E. Eat yams, carrots, asparagus, sweet potatoes, spinach, kale, collards, salmon, tuna, eggs, nuts, beans, citrus, oysters and pork.
Do computer breaks – Too much screen exposure can cause dry eyes, blurry vision, eyestrain, headaches and trouble focusing for distance. Make sure your screen is at eye level and take breaks every 20 minutes. Look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Every two hours take a 15-minute break; get up and walk around.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Tempe, Ariz.
