5 Vital Signs that Make Visiting an Ophthalmologist a Must

Eyes are one the most vital yet extremely delicate organs of the human body. Their importance can’t be overstated and their care can’t be underestimated. Minute changes or aberrations in the overall health of the eyes can cause disturbances related to eyesight for the concerned person. In some cases, overlooking such problems and failing to address them may cause serious problems in the future, causing loss of vision in extreme cases. Problems related to eyesight may also, in other cases, be symptoms of some chronic illnesses such as diabetes or glaucoma.

Vital Signs You Need to Consider while Visiting an Ophthalmologist

Irritation in eyes or redness of eyes can quickly spiral down into something more damaging and injurious. In some extreme cases, patients have also suffered a loss of vision due to neglecting these subtle signs.

The global eye examination equipment market is evolving and coming up with novel tools and machineries to cure eye problems. Ophthalmologists are generally equipped with all the necessary eye examination equipment which help them in assessing the exact condition of the eyes and prescribe the necessary treatment. Hence, taking cognizance of signs of eye problems and visiting an ophthalmologist at the very outset becomes very important. Some of the vital signs you should take note of are given below:

1. Blurry Vision

If you face problems focusing over an object, or you find yourself squinting to read something that is written over at some distance, you need to consider visiting an ophthalmologist. These sudden changes in vision can be caused due to various reasons and an ophthalmologist can help in countering this problem by prescribing some good eye drops or pills. In some cases, the eye doctor can also recommend using spectacles to rectify the problems you face due to blurry vision.

2. Red or Pink Eyes

Though a common problem, redness of eyes can be caused due to number of different reasons such as exposure to chemicals or eye allergies caused due to dust, smoke, pollen, etc. Redness of eyes can also be caused due to eye infections like conjunctivitis. In such a scenario, visiting an ophthalmologist becomes imperative.

3. Sensitivity to Light

Our eyes are generally sensitive to light and heat, but over-sensitivity can be a problem. Such an over-sensitivity to light is usually accompanied with a feeling of some kind of inflammation in the eye. Also, if accompanied with headaches, such an over-sensitivity to light can be a symptom of migraines. Whatever the case, visiting an ophthalmologist becomes very important as continuous exposure of over-sensitive eyes to light can cause permanent scarring.

4. Flashes and Floaters

Seeing floaters (light spots) or flashes of light can be a symptom of retinal damage if the occurrence is extremely frequent and sudden. Seeing halos around lights during the day can also be a symptom of eye disorders like presbyopia or astigmatism. In all these cases, in order to receive proper medication and treatment, visiting an ophthalmologist at the earliest is a must.

5. Diabetes

Diabetes is such a medical condition in which your eyes are inadvertently affected. Too much blood sugar can cause damage to the delicate blood vessels of retina causing a medical condition known as diabetic retinopathy. Both type 1 and type 2 diabetic patients are highly prone to this disorder. Hence, visiting an ophthalmologist and undergoing a diabetic eye exam is something that doctors and medical experts always advice a diabetic person.

The Bottom Line

The all-important role played by our eyes makes it extremely vital for us to take utmost care of them. Some of the basic precautions, like wearing sunglasses or using eye drops, to protect the eyes from dust and dirt should be taken. A full-fledged eye examination by visiting an ophthalmologist of reliable reputation should be done at least once a year.

About the Author(s)

Akhilesh Prabhugaonkar

Akhilesh Prabhugaonkar holds a bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering from the reputed Vishwakarma Institute of Technology. He has a special interest in the field of forensics, world history, international relations and foreign policy, sports, agriculture, astronomy, security and oceanography. An ardent bibliophile and melophile, Akhilesh loves to write on topics of his interest and various other societal issues. This love for writing made him enter the professional world of content writing and pursue his career in this direction.