Warning Signs!

Regular eye exams are the best way to avoid vision problems as you age. If you haven't had an eye exam in over a year, visit an optometrist near you.

Knowing the warning signs helps you take appropriate steps to maintain your eyesight, particularly if vision symptoms occur suddenly.  Prompt intervention can often help avoid or minimise vision loss.

Potential Eye Emergencies

The following signs and symptoms may indicate a medical emergency.  You should see your optometrist or physician immediately if you experience...

A flood of spots and floaters in your field of vision. Usually, eye floaters are due to a benign, age-related condition called vitreous detachment. This occurs when the eye's gel-like interior liquefies and separates from the retina, the light-sensitive inner lining of the back of the eye. However, a sudden onset of spots and floaters can also be caused by a sight-threatening tear or detachment of the retina. If you suddenly see a shower of spots and floaters, visit your optometrist or ophthalmologist immediately.

A sensation that a dark curtain has settled across your field of view. This could be caused by a retinal detachment, which occurs when the image-collecting layer (retina) separates from the underlying layer of nourishing blood vessels. If the layers are not reattached promptly, vision loss can be permanent.

Sudden eye pain, redness, nausea and vomiting. These symptoms can signal a sudden (acute) attack of glaucoma, which can permanently damage the eye's nerve.  Immediate treatment is required to prevent permanent vision loss.

Double vision, double images or "ghost" images. Double vision can be caused by many eye conditions. Sometimes, double vision can signal an underlying health emergency, such as a stroke. If you have a sudden onset of double vision, see your optometrist or family physician immediately.

Sudden blurry vision in one eye. If you are over 60, your chance of developing a macular hole in the part of the retina where fine focusing occurs increases. Because macular holes can worsen and cause permanent vision loss, you must visit your eye care practitioner for a diagnosis and prompt treatment.

The eye and vision problems below aren't usually medical emergencies. But, you'll need to schedule a comprehensive eye exam with your optometrist as soon as you can if you experience...

A narrowing of your field of view. A reduction of your ability to see objects off to the sides could be a sign of glaucoma. Without intervention, peripheral vision loss could continue to worsen.

A gradual loss of central vision, including distortions such as straight lines appearing wavy.  These symptoms may be caused by macular degeneration (AMD),  a leading cause of vision loss among older Australians.  New medical treatments can sometimes halt or limit some forms of AMD-related vision loss.

Cloudy and blurred eyesight, "halos" around lights at night or loss of bright colour vision may be due to cataracts. Cataracts tend to worsen gradually over time and are not a medical emergency. Nevertheless, as your eye's natural lens continues to cloud with ageing, your vision will continue to deteriorate unless you have cataract surgery that replaces your cloudy lens.

Blind spots in your field of view, accompanied by eye floaters and unexplained blurred vision. If you have diabetes, these vision problems may be due to the onset of diabetic retinopathy.  By evaluating the condition of your retina, your optometrist can provide valuable information to your general physician about the control and severity of your diabetes.

"Scratchy" or irritated sensation, eye surface pain, tearing. These signs and symptoms are most commonly due to dry eye syndrome. Dry eyes are usually more of a nuisance than a sight-threatening condition. However, symptoms can be severe, mainly as you grow older, your body produces fewer tears, or your tear chemistry changes. Consult your optometrist for advice about remedies, including over-the-counter or prescription eye drops.