Your eyes give you warning signs long before permanent damage occurs. Ignoring these signals can lead to irreversible vision loss. While some symptoms are minor, others can lead to blindness in a matter of hours. If you experience any of these 10 signs, seek medical care immediately. Timely action is critical for preserving your vision.

Sudden Vision Loss (Partial or Complete)

Imagine a curtain dropping over your sight and you can’t seem to move it out of your view. This could signal retinal detachment, stroke, or blocked vessels. Retinal detachment can progress quickly, and treatment within 24 hours offers the best chance of recovery. If you experience sudden vision loss, head straight to the ER.

Chemical Burns to the Eye

Cleaning products, solvents, and industrial chemicals can cause severe damage. Alkali substances like oven cleaners or lime can penetrate the eye's surface quickly. Acidic chemicals, such as bleach or battery fluid, burn surface tissues. Use lukewarm water to flush your eyes for at least 15 minutes. Hold your eyelids open and pour the water from the nose outward. Call Poison Control immediately. Do not rub your eyes, as this can push toxins deeper.

Deep Cuts or Punctures

Metal shards, broken glass, or tool accidents can puncture the eye. If you see tears, pupil distortion, or leaking fluid, seek help immediately. Do NOT remove embedded objects. Just cover the eye with a rigid shield, and do not apply pressure. Sudden pain with "black spots" could indicate internal bleeding. Rush to a trauma center equipped for eye surgery.

Severe Eye Pain With Nausea/Vomiting

If you experience severe eye pain, rainbow halos, and vomiting, you may have acute angle-closure glaucoma. This condition increases pressure in the eye, damaging the optic nerve within hours. The pain typically starts in the peripheral vision. This is more common in farsighted individuals over 40. Seek emergency treatment immediately. You may need IV medication to lower eye pressure and possibly laser surgery.

Sudden Onset of Floaters & Flashes

New "cobwebs" or flashes of light in your vision could indicate retinal tears or detachment. These symptoms occur when the vitreous gel in the eye pulls away. If left untreated, a retinal detachment can happen within days. See an eye specialist within 24 hours. Describe the direction of the floaters. If detachment occurs, peripheral vision is often the first to go.

Painful Red Eye With Thick Discharge

A red, painful eye with yellow-green discharge could be a bacterial infection, such as pink eye. Without treatment, it can lead to corneal scarring within 48 hours. Viral infections, like herpes, can also cause severe damage. If you wear contacts, remove them. Seek medical care the same day to prevent vision loss.

Extreme Light Sensitivity (Photophobia)

If you find yourself squinting painfully in normal lighting, this could indicate an underlying issue like uveitis or corneal abrasions. Photophobia can also be a sign of sunburned eyes (photokeratitis) or even meningitis. If light causes sharp pain or headaches, seek medical attention. This is not normal glare; it is a warning sign for serious conditions.

New Double Vision (Persistent)

Sudden double vision may indicate a stroke, nerve damage, or a brain aneurysm. If covering one eye eliminates the double vision, it is likely neurological. If it persists, especially with drooping eyelids, slurred speech, or weakness, go to the ER immediately. Delayed stroke treatment can increase the risk of disability.

Distorted Vision (Wavy Lines)

If straight lines appear wavy, this may indicate macular issues like wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) or diabetic macular edema. These conditions leak fluid and distort your central vision. Without prompt treatment, central blindness can occur. Use an Amsler grid to track symptoms. See a retina specialist within 48 hours.

Significant Swelling After Injury

A "black eye" with bruising, vision changes, or blood in the white of the eye could indicate an orbital fracture or internal damage. If you cannot move your eye or experience double vision, seek immediate care. Ice the area lightly without applying pressure, and go to urgent care. CT scans can detect hidden fractures.

For more on eye emergencies, visit Highline Eye Care. Our office is in Flagstaff, Arizona. To book an appointment, call (928) 240-9214 today.

https://www.optometrists.org/general-practice-optometry/guide-to-eye-health/8-do-not-ignore-warning-signs-of-serious-eye-problems/