Vision Eye Health Center
Proper eye care and good eye health are essential to protect one's sight. Because we value our eyes, we need to be proactive in preventing eye disorders and treating eye problems. The primary health care professionals for the eyes are the doctors of optometry. They examine and treat various eye diseases and disorders. Whether it is a common disorder or some injury in the eye, we should treat each and every one of them as emergencies. One must never hesitate to see a doctor. Risks with the eyesight should never be taken. We must remember we have only one pair of eyes.
The common eye disorder symptoms are redness, swelling, itchiness, burning, pain and blurring of vision. There can be many reasons behind the eye turning red: allergy, infection, broken blood vessels, inflammation or due to some trauma. If the white of the eye appears red or pink, it can be conjunctivitis. Some forms of conjunctivitis are contagious, some are not. Avoid rubbing the eye and wash it often with cold water.
Eye allergies can occur due to some foreign particles entering the eye or it can be seasonal. The eyes become red, itchy, watery and puffy. Cold, wet compresses on the eyelids help to provide relief. If the allergy continues, it is best to see a doctor. Tiny blood vessels in the white of the eye can break from rubbing, straining or lifting. Termed subconjunctival hemorrhages, they are considered harmless. For safety's sake, one can see a doctor to make sure there is no other cause behind the breakage of the blood vessel.
Getting hit in the eye, accidentally or otherwise, can cause blurred vision, redness and pain. The eye may look scratched but there can be hidden damages like retinal detachment. This can turn very serious so it's best to see a doctor right away for any kind of eye trauma. For immediate relief, a cold compress or ice pack can help. Injuries like deep puncture wounds from accidents require immediate treatment or surgery to prevent vision loss. Scratches can make the eye susceptible to infection.
If one develops blurred vision suddenly and it persists, immediately visit a doctor. It can indicate a retinal problem, like a detachment or even a stroke. Minor blurring that comes and goes could mean tiredness, eye strain or dryness. The eyes need to be rested for some time. Most retinal detachments can be cured if treated immediately. If ignored, they can lead to loss of vision. Constant eye pain can indicate an inflammation in some of the inner eye parts.
It is scary to get sprayed or splashed suddenly in the eye by substances other than water. Acids can cause redness and burning but can be washed out easily. Alkalis are much more serious though they do not cause immediate pain. Chemical burns can also be caused if you rub your eyes after handling chemicals. After rinsing the eye with water, a visit to the doctor is a must. Depending on the substance, chemical exposures can cause just minor irritations or lead to serious eye damage.