5 Vision Changes to Take Seriously

If your eyes are your windows into the world, it’s essential to keep them in tip-top condition. While some vision changes can arise as you get older, others might signal a more serious issue. 

Don’t worry, our highly experienced team at Ophthalmology Associates of Bay Ridge in Brooklyn, New York, are here to keep you in the loop of any vision changes and how to address them along the way. No matter your concerns, we provide comprehensive eye care with personalized doctor-patient relationships that prioritize your overall health. 

In the meantime, we’ll dive into five vision changes you should never ignore. 

1. Blurry vision 

Blurry vision can be caused by something as simple as needing a new prescription for your glasses or contact lenses. However, if it comes on suddenly or is persistent, it could indicate: 

Diabetes 

High blood sugar levels can cause the lens inside your eye to swell, leading to blurred vision. 

Cataracts 

A common issue as you age, cataracts can cloud your lens, making your vision blurry or hazy.

Stroke 

Watch out for sudden blurry vision, especially in one eye, which can be a sign of a stroke.

2. Double vision

If you’re experiencing double vision, or diplopia, it can be an incredibly disorienting experience. It might be temporary or ongoing and can occur in one or both of your eyes. Causes to consider include: 

Muscle issues 

Problems with the muscles controlling eye movement can cause double vision. Conditions like myasthenia gravis or Graves’ disease are examples of this.

Neurological disorders

Multiple sclerosis or brain injuries can affect the nerves that control your eye movement. 

Cataracts

As they progress, cataracts can cause double vision in one eye. 

3. Flashes and floaters

Additionally, seeing occasional floaters (tiny specks or strings drifting in your vision) is usually harmless. However, a sudden shower of floaters or flashes of light can indicate: 

Retinal detachment

This is a medical emergency where your retina peels away from its supporting tissue that can lead to permanent vision loss if you don’t seek prompt treatment.

Posterior vitreous detachments

While this is less serious than retinal detachment, it can still cause significant symptoms and requires monitoring with our team of experts. 

Migraine

Some people experience visual disturbances, such as flashes of light, as part of a migraine aura. 

4. Loss of peripheral vision

Peripheral vision loss, or tunnel vision, reduces your ability to see things outside your direct line of sight. This can be subtle but may indicate: 

Glaucoma 

Often called the “silent thief of sight,” glaucoma can gradually reduce your peripheral vision without noticeable symptoms until significant damage has occurred. 

Retinitis pigmentosa

This genetic disorder affects your retina and can lead to severe vision loss. 

Stroke 

As with other vision changes, a stroke can impact your field of vision significantly. 

5. Pain and redness

When it comes to eye pain and redness, accompanied by vision changes, visiting our office can make all the difference. Although these symptoms can stem from minor issues like eye strain or allergies, they can also signal more serious conditions such as:

Infections 

Conditions like conjunctivitis (pink eye) or keratitis can cause pain and redness. 

Uveitis

This inflammation of the middle layer of your eye can lead to permanent vision damage if untreated. 

Acute angle-closure glaucoma 

This condition is a medical emergency where pressure inside your eye increases rapidly, causing severe pain, redness, and vision loss. 

In the end, your eyes are not only essential for seeing but also serve as indicators of your overall health. With regular eye exams, we can catch problems early and make sure your vision stays at its best. If you experience any of the above vision changes, don’t wait — click here to set up an appointment with our team of experts today.