An estimated 50 million U.S. adults aged 18 and above experience vision loss. Even when wearing glasses, nearly four million of these individuals still have trouble seeing.
Despite their prevalence, many causes of vision loss are correctable, provided they get treated without delay. For this reason, it pays to know the signs that it’s time to see an ophthalmologist or eye doctor. The sooner an eye specialist can determine the problem, the sooner they can address it and prevent more severe consequences.
To that end, we created this guide discussing when to see an ophthalmologist in Lexington, KY. So please read on, as what you learn here can help you keep your vision and eye health in check.
Yellow Spots in Vision
Eyestrain, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and optic nerve issues can all lead to yellow spots in your vision. If the problem is only due to eyestrain, resting your eyes should help address those floating yellow markers. You can also use eyedrops to help keep your eyes moist if you must focus on something for long periods.
If you don’t think you have overworked eyes, it’s time to visit a specialist for quality eye care in Lexington, KY. Problems like AMD and those affecting the optic nerves can result in more severe vision woes if not addressed immediately.
Blurry Vision
There are at least 18 causes of blurred vision that occur suddenly. It can be due to something as simple as eye strain or dryness. Both can happen if you focus on something for a prolonged period, such as staring too long at a computer screen.
So, if you experience vision blurriness while working, take a break and rest your eyes for a few minutes.
Other causes of sudden blurred vision are more severe, though, including the following:
- Retinal detachment
- Strokes
- Infections
- Concussions
- Wet macular degeneration
If your vision suddenly blurs and you think it’s not due to eyestrain or dryness, it could be because of one of those severe causes. In that case, please don’t delay seeing an ophthalmologist or eye specialist in Lexington.
Eye Floaters
Inside the eyes is a jelly-like material called the vitreous that liquifies and contracts as people age. Whenever that happens, microscopic collagen fibers inside the vitreous can clump together. These pieces can then cast tiny shadows onto the retina, making it seem like small things are floating within your vision.
Eye floaters can appear as small black or gray shapes, spots, squiggly lines, and threads. In some cases, they may even look like tiny cobwebs. When you try to look at them directly, they’ll appear to float or dart away.
When Floaters Warrant Professional Attention
A few eye floaters are normal and harmless, especially if you only see them occasionally. However, they may signal more severe conditions if:
- There’s a sudden or continuous increase in their numbers
- You notice flashes of light in the eye with the floaters
- You develop sudden vision loss, such as a gray, curtain-like obstruction on your eye
- You experience sudden vision blurriness
- There’s a dark area on one or both sides of your vision (peripheral vision loss)
In those situations, the floaters themselves may not cause any pain. But if they develop with those other symptoms, you may have a retinal tear. If not treated immediately, a retinal tear can progress to retinal detachment.
Please seek immediate help from a Lexington, KY, eye specialist as soon as possible. The sooner you visit an ophthalmologist, the sooner they can fix the holes or tears in your retina. That can then help prevent the damage from worsening into retinal detachment, which can lead to blindness.
Redness Accompanied by Other Symptoms
Lack of sleep, eyestrain, and allergens like dust and pollen can make your eyes go red. They often cause minor irritations, and avoiding them is one of the best ways to prevent their consequences.
However, there are more harmful culprits behind frequent eye redness, which can also cause these symptoms:
- Eye pain
- Light sensitivity
- Abnormal eye discharge
- Sudden vision blurriness
Experiencing those other symptoms can indicate you have infected or inflamed eyes. It can also be due to injuries like corneal abrasion. In some cases, the culprit may be glaucoma, which an estimated 3 million Americans suffer from.
Night Blindness
Night blindness (nyctalopia) is a vision problem that makes it difficult to see in dim or dark environments. It occurs when the eyes have trouble detecting light or when they can’t adjust quickly to a sudden change in brightness levels.
Night blindness is more common at nighttime (hence the name) but can also occur in the daytime. For example, suppose a person with nyctalopia has been outside in the sun for a prolonged period. Once they enter a dim room, their eyes will take longer than usual to adapt to the darkness.
Causes of Night Blindness
If you experience night blindness symptoms, a Lexington ophthalmologist can help by determining the root cause. For night blindness, typical culprits are nearsightedness (myopia), cataracts, and vitamin A deficiency. Once your eye doctor has an accurate diagnosis, they will suggest the most appropriate treatment.
Night Blindness Treatment
Treatment for nearsightedness may involve eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgery, such as LASIK. Eyeglasses with a stronger prescription are often the first line of treatment for cataracts. However, surgery may already be necessary for advanced cases.
If the problem is due to vitamin A deficiency, your eye doctor may recommend vitamin A supplementation. It can help lubricate the eyes and reverse night blindness.
Time to Visit an Ophthalmologist in Lexington, KY
Whether you’re experiencing blurry vision, vision disturbances, or eye pain, they all indicate you need to see an ophthalmologist in Lexington, KY. They may not always be emergencies but could signify a more severe issue.
At the Kentucky Eye Institute, you can rely on our team of Lexington, KY, eye doctors for comprehensive eye care. Since 1970, we’ve provided world-class services designed to help improve and maintain our patients’ optimal vision health. We have 11 offices, including one in Lexington and across the Commonwealth.
So, contact us today if you need help with your eye and vision health in Lexington. We’re “on call” 24 hours a day to help, especially during eye emergencies.