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 tenderness
- 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 sideby-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 near-sightedness, 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 me and my family for regular, age-appropriate eye exams. 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 and 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 (1) eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits and vegetables and (2) exercising regularly
Know and act upon the warning signs of eye disease
