Common Vision Issues

Understanding frequent eye concerns and when to seek professional care

Blurred Vision

Loss of sharpness in eyesight, making objects appear out of focus. Can be caused by refractive errors, eye strain, or underlying conditions.

Dry Eyes

Insufficient tear production or poor tear quality causing discomfort, redness, and irritation. Common with age and screen use.

Night Vision Problems

Difficulty seeing in low light or adapting to darkness. May worsen with age or indicate underlying conditions.

Digital Eye Strain

Discomfort from prolonged screen use including tired eyes, headaches, and blurred vision. Very common in modern lifestyles.

Floaters & Flashes

Spots or specks in vision (floaters) or brief flashes of light. Usually harmless but can indicate serious issues if sudden.

Light Sensitivity

Discomfort or pain in bright light. Can be temporary or indicate underlying eye conditions requiring evaluation.

Detailed Information

Blurred Vision

Common Causes:

  • Refractive errors (myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism)
  • Presbyopia (age-related near vision loss)
  • Eye strain from prolonged focus
  • Dry eyes or insufficient lubrication
  • Cataracts (clouding of the lens)
  • Certain medications

When to See a Doctor: Sudden blurred vision, vision loss, or blurring accompanied by pain, flashes, or floaters requires immediate medical attention.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Symptoms:

  • Stinging or burning sensation
  • Redness and irritation
  • Feeling of something in the eye
  • Excessive tearing (paradoxically)
  • Blurred vision, especially when reading

Contributing Factors:

  • Age (tear production decreases)
  • Screen time and reduced blinking
  • Environmental factors (wind, dry air, smoke)
  • Contact lens wear
  • Certain medications and health conditions

Digital Eye Strain (Computer Vision Syndrome)

Symptoms:

  • Eye fatigue and discomfort
  • Headaches
  • Blurred vision
  • Dry eyes
  • Neck and shoulder pain

Prevention Tips:

  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
  • Adjust screen brightness and contrast
  • Position screen 20-26 inches from eyes
  • Use proper lighting to reduce glare
  • Blink frequently to keep eyes moist
  • Consider blue light filtering glasses

Age-Related Conditions

Cataracts

Clouding of the eye's natural lens, causing blurred or dim vision. Very common with aging. Symptoms develop gradually and may include:

  • Cloudy or blurry vision
  • Faded colors
  • Glare and halos around lights
  • Poor night vision
  • Frequent prescription changes

Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)

Affects central vision needed for detailed tasks. Two types: dry (more common) and wet (more serious). Early detection is crucial.

  • Blurred or reduced central vision
  • Difficulty recognizing faces
  • Straight lines appear wavy
  • Dark or empty areas in central vision

Glaucoma

Group of conditions damaging the optic nerve, often due to high eye pressure. Can lead to vision loss if untreated. Often no early symptoms.

  • Gradual loss of peripheral vision
  • Tunnel vision in advanced stages
  • Acute angle-closure: severe eye pain, nausea, blurred vision (emergency)

Floaters and Flashes

Floaters: Small spots, specks, or cobweb-like shapes drifting in your field of vision. Usually harmless and common with age.

Flashes: Brief streaks or arcs of light, often in peripheral vision.

⚠️ Seek Immediate Care If:

  • Sudden increase in floaters
  • Sudden appearance of flashes
  • Shadow or curtain over vision
  • Loss of peripheral vision

These may indicate retinal detachment, a medical emergency.

Important: This information is educational only. If you experience any vision changes or eye discomfort, consult an eye care professional. Many conditions are treatable when detected early. Do not attempt to self-diagnose or self-treat eye conditions.

When to Seek Professional Care

Seek Immediate Medical Attention For:

  • Sudden vision loss or significant vision changes
  • Severe eye pain
  • Eye injury or trauma
  • Sudden onset of floaters, flashes, or shadows
  • Red, painful eye with nausea (possible acute glaucoma)
  • Chemical exposure to the eye

Schedule an Eye Exam For:

  • Gradual vision changes
  • Persistent dry eyes or irritation
  • Frequent headaches with vision use
  • Difficulty with night driving
  • Regular check-ups (annually after age 60, or as recommended)