Common eye problems

What are the causes of eye redness, eye pain and decrease in vision?

Eye redness is caused by blood vessels in the eye becoming swollen or irritated. It can be due to a variety of causes. Some of these are minor issues while others are serious. They range from simple allergies to serious infection and presence of microorganisms within the eye. An eye doctor has to examine the eyes to make an accurate diagnosis.

Eye pain and changes in vision when associated with eye redness usually indicates a more serious problem that requires immediate attention. It is best to visit an eye doctor if one has these problems.

What should I do if I have eye pain?

Kindly avoid rubbing your eyes or instilling oil or other plant extracts. If you have had an injury or dust falling into your eye, wash your eyes in clean water taking care not to rub or press your eyes. Eye pain is a symptom that requires immediate medical attention.

The following conditions are commonly seen by eye doctors:

· Eye pain along with decreased vision and/or sensitivity to light.

· Eye pain with redness and discharge from the eyes

· Eye pain with vomiting, headache and decreased vision.

· Eye pain after an injury of any kind.

· Eye pain when working with hammers, stones, metal pieces or other similar objects. This type of work can give rise to small pieces that can enter the eye and are called “foreign bodies”.

· Eye pain after recent eye surgery or laser is an emergency that requires you to visit your doctor immediately.

What are the causes for decreased vision in my eyes?

The eye is a sense organ that has many parts. Each part has to function well without any abnormality for us to enjoy good vision. Any abnormality in structure or function of any part of the eye can cause decreased vision. Some causes can be corrected and full vision can be restored. Some causes can be stabilized and existing vision can be saved. In some conditions where advanced damage is present, vision may not be restored.

Causes for decreased vision vary with age and other factors. For example, in young people, spectacle power may be the common cause for defective vision. In older individuals, cataract is a common cause. In people with diabetes, diabetic retinopathy may be the culprit. The best approach in case of decreased vision is to visit your trusted eye hospital where a qualified team of eye doctors with experience and expertise in different specialties of eye care will be able to assess your eyes and provide necessary guidance.

I have never used glasses in my life. I am now 42 years old and my eye doctor has now advised glasses. Is it possible to develop eye power so late in life?

Eye glasses or spectacles are worn for many conditions. Among them, a few conditions are present since young age. We see children and youngsters wearing glasses. They may have short sight (myopia), far sight (hyperopia) or cylinder power (astigmatism). There is a special condition which has onset in middle age (around 40 years) and this is called presbyopia. In this condition, ability to see near objects is impaired and one requires corrective glasses to see near objects or read books.

The power needed for near work can be worn as a separate spectacle or it can be combined with a power that you are currently using. You can discuss the options of contact lenses or lens implants with your eye doctor and choose the option you are most comfortable with.