Eye Symptoms
Find the Cause of Your Eye Concern
Changes in your vision or the appearance of your eyes can be concerning, but understanding your symptoms is the first step toward protecting your sight. Whether you're experiencing blurry vision, eye pain, flashes and floaters, red eyes, or eyelid problems, our eye care specialists are here to help.
Explore the symptom categories below to learn about common causes, when to seek urgent care, and the treatment options available.
Vision Changes
Vision changes can make everyday activities more difficult and affect your quality of life. They can happen gradually or suddenly and may be a sign of an underlying eye condition.
Eye Discomfort & Pain
Eye discomfort and pain can range from mild irritation to severe, persistent pain. Common causes include dry eye, eye strain, infections, allergies, and injury. Our doctors can diagnose the cause and provide effective relief.
Change in Eye Appearance
Changes in the way your eyes look can be a sign of an underlying condition. Symptoms may include redness, swelling, discoloration, unequal pupil size, bulging, or misalignment. Early evaluation can help detect problems and protect your vision.
Flashes & Floaters
Flashes of light or dark spots (floaters) in your vision can be a sign of changes in the vitreous or retina. While not always serious, they can sometimes indicate a retinal tear or detachment. Get a comprehensive eye exam right away to protect your sight.
Eyelid Problems
Eyelid problems can affect comfort, vision, and overall eye health. Common issues include dry, itchy, or inflamed eyelids, styes, chalazia, drooping eyelids, and eyelid twitching. Our doctors can diagnose the cause and provide effective treatment.
Concerned About an Eye Symptom?
Don't ignore changes in your vision or eye comfort. Our experienced ophthalmologists and optometrists can diagnose the cause of your symptoms and recommend the most appropriate treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What eye symptoms should never be ignored?
Seek immediate eye care if you experience:
- Sudden vision loss
- New flashes of light
- A sudden increase in floaters
- A dark curtain or shadow in your vision
- Severe eye pain
- Sudden double vision
- Eye injury or chemical exposure
These symptoms may indicate a serious eye condition that requires prompt treatment.
When should I schedule an eye exam for new symptoms?
Any new or persistent eye symptom lasting more than a day or two should be evaluated, especially if it affects your vision, causes pain, or continues to worsen.
Can eye symptoms be caused by something other than eye disease?
Yes. Some symptoms are related to dry eye, allergies, or the need for glasses, while others may be associated with medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disease, autoimmune disorders, or neurological conditions.
What should I do if I suddenly develop flashes and floaters?
New flashes or a sudden increase in floaters should be evaluated as soon as possible. These symptoms can sometimes indicate a retinal tear or retinal detachment that requires urgent treatment.
Is blurry vision always caused by needing glasses?
No. Blurry vision can result from refractive errors, dry eye, cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic eye disease, retinal problems, and many other eye conditions. A comprehensive eye examination can determine the underlying cause.
Can eye pain occur without redness?
Yes. Some serious eye conditions, including glaucoma, corneal disorders, optic nerve inflammation, and certain infections, may cause significant pain even when the eye appears relatively normal.
Why are regular eye exams important even if symptoms improve?
Some eye diseases develop gradually or temporarily improve before worsening. An eye examination can identify underlying problems early, often before permanent vision loss occurs.
What kinds of specialists will I see at NH Eye Associates?
Our team includes comprehensive ophthalmologists, fellowship-trained specialists, and optometrists who diagnose and treat a wide range of medical, surgical, and routine eye conditions.
Need Urgent Eye Care?
Sudden vision loss, new flashes and floaters, severe eye pain, or a curtain over your vision may require immediate evaluation. Call our office imeditately.