Six Warning Signs of Eye Disease *
Decreased vision
- Difficulty seeing while reading, watching TV, driving, while at work, or at recreation
- Loss of peripheral or central vision
- A curtain or veil coming over the vision
- Difficulty seeing off to the side (e.g., when changing lanes while driving)
- Check for differences in the vision of each eye by covering them one-at-a-time
Eye pain
- Sharp or dull pain
- Persistent pain
- Eye hurts when touched
- Persistent feeling that something is in the eye
- Any eye pain, especially if associated with other warning signs
Drainage from the eye or redness of the eye
- Crusting of the eye, especially in the morning
- Discharge from the eye, especially if associated with pain
Floaters and flashes
- Spider webs, dots, and floating matter that move
- Flashing or flickering lights
Seeing halos around lights
- May be only present in the morning and improve later in the day
- Increased glare, e.g., when looking at headlights of oncoming cars
Double Vision (diplopia)
- Seeing two images which may be side-by-side, up-and-down or sideways
- May resolve when you cover one eye
* If you experience any of these signs, you should see your eye doctor.
Eye Care Provider Visit Checklist **
Do I need glasses?
- If so, for nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism or presbyopia?
Do you see any signs of problems in my eyes?
- Cataract?
- Macular degeneration?
- Glaucoma. Is my eye pressure normal?
- Dry eye?
- Early signs of other diseases?
Are there any medical conditions that I should be concerned about because of anything you noted during my eye exam?
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- High cholesterol
When should I return for a follow-up exam?
When should I have my pupils dilated for a full exam of my retina?
Are there any eye diseases for which my family is at risk (e.g., AMD, genetic eye disease or glaucoma)?
** Take this list with you when you visit your eye doctor.
Five Things I Can Do to
Protect My Family’s Eye Health
Learn my family history of eye disease
Schedule eye exams for the whole family.
Protect
my eyes and those of my family.
Take the following measures to prevent eye injuries:
- Wear and insist on protective safety goggles for sports, recreation, and when working with tools, metal, and chemicals at home or school
- Store household chemicals (e.g., cleaners, paints, fertilizers) safely
- Take steps to avoid exposure to pellet guns, bb guns, bows & arrows, toys with missiles and fireworks (These can cause serious eye injury.)
- Wear sunglasses or a hat with a brim when outside in sunlight
Adopt a healthy lifestyle
- Stop smoking or never start
- Drink alcohol only in moderation
- Maintain a healthy body weight by eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables and by exercising regularly
Know and act upon the warning signs of eye disease
