Early Signs of Eye Diseases: When to Seek Professional Help

Early Signs of Eye Diseases: When to Seek Professional Help

Our eyes are essential for navigating the world, and preserving eye health is critical. Eye diseases often develop gradually, with early symptoms that can be easy to overlook. Recognizing these early signs and seeking professional care promptly can make a significant difference in preserving your vision. At 20/20 Optometric of Fresno, we believe in proactive eye care to catch issues before they progress. Here’s what to look out for and when to seek professional help.

Blurry or Distorted Vision

Sudden or gradual changes in visual clarity can indicate conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, or age-related macular degeneration (AMD). If objects appear fuzzy, or if straight lines appear wavy, consult your eye doctor to identify the cause and explore potential treatments.

Increased Light Sensitivity

Light sensitivity, or photophobia, can occur due to various issues, from eye infections to uveitis (inflammation of the eye’s middle layer). If bright lights become painful or uncomfortable, it's best to schedule an exam to identify the root cause.

Seeing Floaters or Flashes

Occasional floaters can be normal, especially with age. However, if you suddenly notice a high number of floaters or flashes of light, this may be a sign of retinal detachment, which requires immediate medical attention to prevent vision loss.

Eye Pain or Pressure

Persistent eye pain or a sensation of pressure can signal glaucoma, an eye disease often related to increased intraocular pressure. Glaucoma can lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated, so any unexplained eye pain should be checked by an eye doctor.

Reduced Peripheral Vision

Loss of peripheral vision, or "tunnel vision," is another common sign of glaucoma. Gradual loss may not be noticeable initially, so routine eye exams are crucial for catching this symptom early. If you find your peripheral vision fading, seek an eye evaluation promptly.

Red or Irritated Eyes

While red eyes can be caused by minor issues like allergies, persistent redness or inflammation might signal more serious conditions, including conjunctivitis, uveitis, or even corneal ulcers. Chronic redness should be evaluated by a professional to rule out underlying eye diseases.

Difficulty Adjusting to Light or Darkness

If you find it challenging to adjust from bright environments to darkness, this may point to cataracts or early AMD. These conditions interfere with light processing in the eyes, causing difficulties with vision in low-light conditions.

Double Vision

Double vision, or diplopia, may stem from various causes, including issues with the eye muscles or nerves, cataracts, or neurological conditions. Sudden double vision warrants immediate medical attention to determine the underlying cause.

Why Early Detection Matters

Many eye diseases, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy, progress silently, meaning symptoms may not be obvious until significant damage has occurred. Regular eye exams, ideally once a year, are the best way to detect early signs of these conditions. Early diagnosis and treatment can slow disease progression, preserve vision, and improve quality of life.

Book Your Comprehensive Eye Exam with 20/20 Optometric of Fresno Today

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, don’t hesitate to reach out to our optometrist. We are equipped to provide comprehensive eye exams, assess for early signs of eye diseases, and discuss treatment options tailored to your needs.

Schedule a comprehensive eye exam with 20/20 Optometric of Fresno and let us help protect your vision for the years to come. Visit our Fresno, California, or call (559) 221-8900 to book an appointment today.