Your eyes are one of the most vital organs in your body, yet many people overlook signs of potential problems until they become serious. Early detection and treatment of eye conditions can help preserve your vision and prevent long-term damage.

From dry eyes to more severe conditions like glaucoma, this guide will highlight common eye conditions you shouldn’t ignore and when to seek professional help.

1. Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome occurs when your eyes do not produce enough tears or when the tears evaporate too quickly. This can lead to discomfort and blurred vision.

Symptoms:

  • Persistent dryness and irritation
  • A gritty or burning sensation
  • Redness and watery eyes
  • Sensitivity to light

When to See an Optometrist:

If artificial tears do not provide relief or symptoms persist, an optometrist can recommend treatments such as medicated eye drops or lifestyle changes to improve tear production.

2. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

Conjunctivitis is the inflammation of the thin membrane covering the white part of your eye. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, or irritants like smoke or chemicals.

Symptoms:

  • Red, itchy, and watery eyes
  • A gritty feeling
  • Discharge that may form a crust overnight
  • Swelling of the eyelids

When to See an Optometrist:

If symptoms last more than a few days, worsen, or are accompanied by pain or vision changes, seek professional advice. Bacterial conjunctivitis may require prescription antibiotic drops.

3. Cataracts

Cataracts develop when the natural lens of the eye becomes cloudy, leading to gradual vision loss. This condition is more common as you age.

Symptoms:

  • Blurred or cloudy vision
  • Difficulty seeing at night
  • Increased sensitivity to glare
  • Fading or yellowing of colours

When to See an Optometrist:

If you notice progressive vision loss, schedule an eye exam. Mild cataracts may be managed with updated prescriptions, but advanced cases may require surgery to replace the cloudy lens with an artificial one.

4. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure in the eye. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent blindness.

Symptoms:

  • No early symptoms (often called the “silent thief of sight”)
  • Gradual loss of peripheral vision
  • Eye pain or pressure (in some types of glaucoma)
  • Seeing halos around lights

When to See an Optometrist:

Because early glaucoma has no symptoms, regular eye exams are crucial, especially if you have a family history of the condition. Treatment may involve medicated eye drops, laser therapy, or surgery.

5. Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

AMD affects the macula – the central part of the retina responsible for sharp, detailed vision. It is a leading cause of vision loss in adults over 50.

Symptoms:

  • Blurred or distorted central vision
  • Difficulty reading or recognising faces
  • Dark or empty spots in vision
  • Colours appearing less vivid

When to See an Optometrist:

If you experience any sudden changes in central vision, book an eye exam immediately. While there is no cure for AMD, lifestyle changes, special vitamins, and certain treatments can slow its progression.

6. Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic retinopathy is a serious eye condition caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina due to high blood sugar levels. It is one of the leading causes of blindness in adults.

Symptoms:

  • Blurry or fluctuating vision
  • Dark spots or floaters in vision
  • Poor night vision
  • Vision loss in advanced stages

When to See an Optometrist:

If you have diabetes, regular eye screenings are essential to detect early signs. Managing blood sugar levels and receiving timely treatment, such as laser therapy or injections, can help prevent vision loss.

7. Retinal Detachment

Retinal detachment occurs when the retina pulls away from the back of the eye, which can lead to permanent vision loss if not treated quickly.

Symptoms:

  • Sudden flashes of light
  • A sudden increase in floaters (tiny specks in your vision)
  • A shadow or curtain-like effect over part of your vision
  • Loss of peripheral vision

When to See an Optometrist:

A retinal detachment is a medical emergency. If you experience these symptoms, seek immediate medical attention to prevent permanent vision loss.

8. Eye Strain (Digital Eye Strain or Computer Vision Syndrome)

Prolonged screen use can cause eye strain, affecting vision and comfort. While not a serious eye disease, it can impact daily productivity and well-being.

Symptoms:

  • Eye fatigue and discomfort
  • Headaches and blurred vision
  • Dry, red, or irritated eyes
  • Difficulty focusing

When to See an Optometrist:

If frequent breaks, adjusting screen settings, and using artificial tears do not relieve symptoms, an eye exam can determine if you need prescription glasses or other interventions.

9. Keratoconus

Keratoconus is a progressive eye disorder where the cornea thins and bulges into a cone shape, distorting vision.

Symptoms:

  • Blurred and distorted vision
  • Increased light sensitivity
  • Difficulty with night vision
  • Frequent prescription changes

When to See an Optometrist:

If vision becomes increasingly distorted or worsens despite new prescriptions, an optometrist may recommend treatments like specialised contact lenses or corneal cross-linking therapy.

Final Thoughts

Your eyesight is precious, and early detection of eye conditions can prevent irreversible damage. If you experience blurred vision, discomfort, flashes of light, or sudden vision changes, do not ignore these signs.

Routine eye exams are essential for maintaining good vision and overall eye health. If you have any concerns about your eyesight, schedule an appointment with an optometrist as soon as possible.

Ignoring eye problems could lead to long-term consequences, so take proactive steps to protect your vision today.