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Eye Problems, Noninjury

Overview

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Many people have minor eye, Opens dialog problems, such as eyestrain, irritated eyes, or itchy, scaly eyelids (blepharitis, Opens dialog). These problems may be ongoing (chronic), but they usually aren't serious. Home treatment can relieve the symptoms of many minor eye problems.

Common eye problems

Common types of eye problems include:

It's fairly common for the eyes to be irritated or have a scratchy feeling. Pain isn't a common eye problem unless there has been an injury. It's not unusual for the eyes to be slightly sensitive to light. But sudden, painful sensitivity to light is a serious problem. It may be a sign of glaucoma or inflammation of the muscles that control the pupil, Opens dialog (iritis, Opens dialog). Have it checked by your doctor.

People often live with minor eye irritation and problems for a long time, until the irritation or problems become bothersome enough to seek care. People who have skin problems and allergies often have ongoing minor problems with the skin of their eyelids and allergic irritation of the eyes.

Vision changes

Sudden problems such as new vision changes, pain in the eye, or increased drainage are often more serious. They should be checked by a doctor. Eye symptoms that are new or that occur suddenly may be checked by an emergency medicine specialist, Opens dialog.

Ongoing (chronic) eye problems that may be getting worse are usually checked by an eye doctor (ophthalmologist, Opens dialog). A gradual change in your vision or chronic eye problems may include:

  • Vision changes, such as:
    • Trouble adjusting your vision when you enter a dark room.
    • Trouble focusing on close or faraway objects.
    • Dark spots in the center of your vision field.
    • Lines or edges that look wavy.
  • Eyelid problems, such as a stye, Opens dialog or chalazion (a small, hard lump).
  • Discharge from or irritation of the eyeball or eyelids. Examples include an infection of the inner edge of the lower eyelid (dacryocystitis, Opens dialog) and pinkeye (conjunctivitis, Opens dialog).
  • Sensitivity to light (photophobia, Opens dialog).
  • Not being able to see well at night (night blindness). A decrease in night vision may be caused by nearsightedness, cataracts, macular degeneration, or conditions that affect the retina, Opens dialog.

Vision and age

As you reach your 40s and 50s, it's common to have some vision changes and maybe to need glasses. Some of the changes may also cause other symptoms, like headaches and nausea. These symptoms can affect your ability to function.

Some children may have special risks for eye problems. Vision screening is advised for infants who were either born at or before 30 weeks, whose birth weight was below 3.3 lb (1500 g), or who have serious medical conditions. Most vision problems are noticed first by the parents. The first screening is recommended about 4 to 9 weeks after birth.footnote 1

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Current as of: July 31, 2024

Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff

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