Five Eye Symptoms You Should Never Overlook

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. - Aug. 2, 2016 - PRLog -- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that roughly half of the estimated 61 million adults in the United States who are at high risk for serious vision loss haven't visited an ophthalmologist in the past 12 months. Most people don't consider an eye exam necessary unless they are experiencing serious vision issues, but there are a number of symptoms, commonly ignored, that warrant an immediate visit to the eye doctor.

"Regular eye exams should be right on the list with annual check-ups and physical exams," said Dr. Jay Novetsky, Medical Director of the Vision Institute of Michigan. "People tend to think an eye exam is only needed when there is a problem, but eye exams can reveal other conditions in your overall heath, too. It's human nature to think minor symptoms like red, teary eyes don't warrant an exam, but something that simple can be an indicator of a serious condition, that left untreated, could lead to vision loss."

The Vision Institute of Michigan urges people to pay attention to the following conditions and see an ophthalmologist if they are experiencing any of these:

1. Red, Teary Eyes: Often written off as a result of being tired, red or teary eyes can be an indicator of Keratitis, an infection of the cornea that causes inflammation, redness, pain, discharge, blurred vision and other problems. Early detection is key for treatment. Left untreated Keratitis can lead to vision loss. Contact wearers are especially susceptible to this, and should see their ophthalmologist right away if they are experiencing these symptoms.

2. Floaters or Flashes: Floaters are small specks, lines, or cobwebs moving in your field of vision. While these objects look like they are in front of your eye, they are actually floating inside the clear, gel-like fluid that fills the inside of your eye. Flashes are flashes of light or lightning streaks in your field of vision. Both of these symptoms can be signs of a retinal tear or retinal detachment and should prompt a visit to the eye doctor.

3. Eye Pain: Pain in one or both eyes is never a normal condition. Causes can range from a scratch or injury to conditions like optic neuropathy that can result in total vision loss.

4. Double Vision: Double vision can occur in one or both eyes. Causes can be as simple as dry eye or as life-threatening as an intracranial tumor, with a host of other causes in between. Any double vision should be evaluated immediately by an Ophthalmologist.

5. Unequal Pupil Size: Anisocoria is a condition characterized by unequal pupil sizes. It is a relatively common condition, and causes vary from benign physiologic Anisocoria to potentially life-threatening emergencies, like an aneurysm, tumor, or stroke. If you notice this condition or changes in pupil size from eye-to-eye, clinical evaluation is important for diagnosis and management of the underlying cause.

Dr. Novetsky said any changes in your vision should be taken seriously and examined by an Ophthalmologist. The simplest way to preserve your vision is to include regular eye exams in your overall health routine.

For media inquiries, contact Sherrie Handrinos at 734-341-6859 or SherrieHandrinos@gmail.com.

About the Vision Institute Of Michigan

The Vision Institute of Michigan is an ophthalmology & cosmetic services practice committed to enhancing vision and beauty. Their standard of excellence in personalized care enables board certified doctors and staff to provide the quality eye care and cosmetic services that patients deserve. Utilizing state-of-the-art technology, the Vision Institute of Michigan provides comprehensive treatment planning and follows strict standards to ensure patients' treatments and surgeries go smoothly and achieve the desired results. For more information, visit www.vimichigan.com.