Too often, people dismiss symptoms of potentially catastrophic disorders because the symptoms themselves seem minor. If you can live with a little inconvenience, eye problems will correct themselves, right?
Wrong.
Sometimes "the wait-and-see" approach may ironically result in vision loss, or worse.
Here are six scenarios that may seem minor at first, but can lead to permanent loss of vision, or even death.
Central Retinal Artery Occlusion
Called "CRAO" for short, this condition is one of the most time-sensitive eye emergencies. This occurs when the main artery that supplies your retina with blood is obstructed. Patients experience sudden severe vision loss but may "wait it out" because this condition presents no pain. After just 90 minutes of symptoms' onset, ocular stroke and permanent loss of vision can result.
Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma
Glaucoma is usually a slow-moving disease, gradually robbing people of their precious sight. Acute angle-closure glaucoma, however, is one of the most serious eye emergencies, causing an abrupt spike in intraocular pressure. Blurred vision, red eyes, headache, light-halos, ocular pain and nausea may all point to acute angle-closure glaucoma. Something as simple as walking into a dimly lit room can trigger an acute attack.
Retinal Detachment
The appearance of a web, cloud, flashes or floaters in your vision may signify the very serious condition called "Retinal Detachment." Retinal detachment is exactly what it sounds like - a lifting of the retina from its nourishing tissue. Patients sometimes describe vision loss from above like a "black curtain". Older, moderately to severe nearsighted people with history of diabetic retinopathy, trauma or cataract surgery are more at risk.
With immediate treatment, 90 percent of patients can expect a successful treatment, although a second treatment is sometimes necessary.
Foreign Object
Foreign objects (like sports equipment or errant elbows from children, for example) may cause blunt trauma to the eye, even if the object is not lodged in. The blow can cause traumatic iritis and mydriasis, lens dislocation, ruptured globe, facial fractures, or retinal hemorrhage, to name a few.
If ever you have a large foreign object lodged in your eye, the pain alone should convince you to get to the eye doctor immediately. But what about when you're not sure? Err on the side of caution. Your eye doctor check for treatable complications, and if it turns out to be a superficial injury, he can ease your discomfort while you recover.
Orbital Cellulitis
Rare but potentially deadly, orbital cellulitis is a bacterial infection marked by severe pain and swelling in the eye, and a quickly-developed fever. Patients are usually younger, but orbital cellulitis can happen to anyone. Intravenous antibiotics are usually effective, but can only help if you get to the doctor quickly.
Chemical Burn
If ever you find yourself in the scary position of having chemicals splashed in the eyes, don't be shocked; be prepared. Get to a sink and flush the eyes out with water repeatedly and without lapse. Have a helper keep a steady stream of clean water running on your eyes as you make your way in. Be ready to describe the chemical to your doctor, including its pH level, or if it's alkaline versus acidic.
Your ophthalmologist can detect diseases usually considered unrelated to eye health long before a family doctor can. According to Emory University experts, all doctors are advised to be aware of the "classic signs" of potentially devastating problems so that you can be sent to your eye doctor quickly. So be sure to mention any of these symptoms to your family doctor as soon you notice them. Your sight and health may depend on it.
For questions or comments, contact Woodhams Eye Clinic.
