EARLY SIGNS OF EYE PROBLEMS

Eye problems are common, but did you know they can be prevented? everyone can have an eye problem, but identifying early signs can save you a great deal, below are early signs that should help you get appropriate medical care to avoid eye problems.

1.Stye

A stye is a tender, red bump that looks like a pimple on or near the edge of the eyelid. It is one type of infection of the eyelids (blepharitis). Styes usually heal in a week. You can use a very warm, wet compress three to six times a day to speed up the recovery. Don’t wear contact lenses or eye makeup until it's healed. 

2.Color Blindness Test

image;courtesy of webmd

Which number do you see on the left? If it's "3," you probably have normal color vision. If it's "5," you may be color-blind. This view is simulated in the center panel and represents a mild color blindness. Complete color blindness (which is very rare) is simulated at the right. No number is visible. Tinted glasses may help color-blind people see better.

3.Warning Signs of Eye Trouble

Blurry vision, spots, glare at night -- these are common eye complaints that can be harmless annoyances or an early sign of disease. It's not always easy to tell the difference. So be sure to visit an eye doctor promptly about any changes or concerns about your vision.

4.Floaters and Specks

Blurry spots or specks in your vision that move may be floaters, which are debris in the eye's vitreous gel. They don't block vision and are easier to see in bright light. Floaters are common and usually harmless. But if they appear or increase suddenly, or you also have light flashes, see a doctor. Persistent white or black spots and a sudden shadow or loss of peripheral vision need immediate medical attention

5.Tears and Dry Eye

Tears lubricate your eyes. When not enough flow, perhaps due to dry air, aging, or other health conditions, your eyes can become painful and irritated. For people with mild cases of dry eye, occasionally using eyedrops labeled artificial tears may do the trick. If it's a bigger problem, you may need other medications or a procedure to fix it.

6.Pinkeye /Conjunctivitis

This eye problem is inflammation caused by a virus, bacteria, irritant, or allergy. Your eye is red and you might feel itching or burning and have a discharge from that eye, too. If itching is your main symptom, an allergy is a likely cause. Most cases of infectious pinkeye are viral, which don't need antibiotics. Your doctor will only give you antibiotic eyedrops if your pinkeye is due to bacteria. Both bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are very contagious, so wash your hands often while you wait for it to clear up.

7.Object in the Eye

Many nerve endings are just beneath the surface or your cornea, so a tiny speck can be painful. Don't rub the eye, or you may cause serious damage. Gently flush the eye with lukewarm water. If that doesn't dislodge the object, call a doctor who can remove it and give you antibiotic drops to protect your cornea from infection.

8.Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

As a child, if one of your eyes can't see well, your brain sometimes favors your other eye. This condition, called amblyopia, may happen because of an alignment problem of the eyes (strabismus or crossed eyes) or poorer vision in one eye. A patch or drops that blur the vision in the "good" eye can prod the brain to use the other eye. If it's not treated during childhood, vision loss from amblyopia can be permanent.

9.Presbyopia

Trouble reading fine print is a sign of aging. It's called presbyopia, which means "old eye" in Greek. For most people, it starts in their 40s. The eyes' lenses become less flexible and can't change shape to focus on objects at reading distance. The solution: Wear reading glasses or bifocals, which correct both near and distance vision. If you wear contacts, ask your eye doctor about contacts made for people with presbyopia.

10.Farsightedness (Hyperopia)

Most people are born with mild farsightedness and outgrow it in childhood. When it persists, you may see distant objects well, but books, knitting, and other close objects are a blur. This problem runs in families. Symptoms include trouble with reading, blurry vision at night, eyestrain, and headaches. To treat it, you may wear glasses or contacts. Some people get surgery for it.

11.Nearsightedness (Myopia)

When you're nearsighted, things in the distance look blurry. Doctors call it myopia. You're more likely to have it if: 

• One or both of your parents have it
• You do lots of close-up reading
• Nearsightedness can make it harder to drive, play sports, or see a blackboard or TV. Symptoms include blurred vision, squinting, and fatigue. To correct it, you can wear glasses, contacts, or get surgery in some cases.

These are just a few, for any slight abnormal reaction of the eye, or abnormal vision or any harmful contact with the eye, one should seek medical care to avoid future eye complications.

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