Posted by: Georgia Eye Physicians and Surgeons in Latest News
Caring for your eyes can be complicated, not only because the eyes themselves are such sophisticated and intricate organs, but also because there are so many different things that can potentially go wrong with them. Sometimes a symptom that might seem like little more than a minor annoyance could be a sign of a serious condition that could lead to permanent vision loss. That is the main reason why Dr. William Segal and Dr. Marc Lay at Georgia Eye Physicians and Surgeons recommend that their patients undergo comprehensive medical eye examinations in addition to routine vision exams on a regular basis. Catching eye problems early, before they can seriously affect your vision, is ultimately the best way to keep your eyes healthy and we recommend bringing any persistent symptoms to the attention of one of our eye doctors. However, we also realize that understanding what the symptoms may mean can go a long way toward alleviating stress and easing your troubled mind. Here are just a few of the more common eye symptoms that you might experience.
Blurred vision is relatively common and occurs when the eyes are unable to view images and visual details clearly. Eyes can change over time, so the fact that you have never needed glasses in the past is no guarantee that you may not in the future. Burry vision is usually addressed with corrective glasses or contact lenses, but some patients may also be eligible for LASIK vision correction surgery. It is also very important to monitor blurred vision as it could be a symptom of a more degenerative disease that we will be able to diagnose and treat.
Double Vision
Double vision, or diplopia, occurs when the eye interprets a solitary object as two images instead of one. It is usually caused by eye misalignment, which can either be the result of a natural, genetic condition or severe trauma. Depending on the patient, some cases of double vision can be treated with specific eye strengthening exercises, while others may require surgery to correct. Double vision may also potentially be an indicator that nerve damage has occurred from a disease and may require brain imaging.
Floaters and Flashes
Most people will notice, from time to time, shadowy spots or squiggly lines that seem to be floating in their field of vision. These “floaters” are completely harmless and will usually go away by themselves. The sudden appearance of a shower of floaters however, particularly if that appearance is accompanied by bursts or streaks of light, may be a sign of a detached retina and should immediately be examined by a board certified ophthalmologist, optometrist, or other physician specializing in diseases of the eyes. When addressed promptly, a detached or torn retina can be corrected with laser eye surgery or a freezing treatment that reattaches the retina to the eye wall.
Most vision conditions progress slowly, and the vision changes they cause over time can be difficult to detect. However, noticing the symptoms and having them diagnosed early, before the problem has a chance to permanently affect your eyesight, is often the best way to avoid permanent vision loss. If you have noticed any changes in your vision, or if you would like to come in for a regularly scheduled routine or comprehensive medical eye exam with Dr. Segal or Dr. Lay, please contact Georgia Eye Physicians and Surgeons today to make an appointment. Following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ will give you some of the latest tips on keeping your eyes healthy.
