Eye Symptom Checker
Whatever eye symptoms you may be experiencing, we’ll help you understand what the cause could be and what to do next. It’s always recommended to see an eyecare professional if you experience any new symptoms or ongoing symptoms.
Blurred vision
Difficulty in seeing sharply or clearly.
All the time
Those experiencing blurry vision at all times should visit a local optometrist for a check-up. It may be that you need new glasses to help with refractive issues like myopia and hyperopia, or that an underlying problem, such as cataracts, AMD or dry eye, needs managing.
Intermittent
Intermittent blurry vision may relate to issues such as eye strain, dry eye, migraine with aura, poor-fitting or dry contact lenses, or other conditions.
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red eyes
When the whites of your eyes look red or pink in colour.
Just one eye
If you’re experiencing redness in one eye, this could indicate a specific problem, such as an infection or inflammation that needs treatment, or it may be due to an injury like corneal abrasion. You should seek the advice of your optometrist, pharmacist or GP.
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painful or uncomfortable eyes
When you feel discomfort or pain in your eyes.
Painful
Pain in the eyes may relate to a range of potential reasons, such as infections, inflammation and a certain type of glaucoma. Painful eyes (one or both) are unusual, so this warrants further investigation by your optometrist, who will be able to examine your eyes in full using specialist equipment. An eye test is not just about checking your sight and monitoring prescriptions - optometrists are also trained to detect signs of certain eye conditions and can advise or refer you for specialist treatment.
Uncomfortable
If your eyes are uncomfortable rather than painful, it could be that the surface of your eye needs more lubrication. Dry eye drops may help alleviate the discomfort.
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Gritty or sore eyes
A general discomfort in the eyes that makes them feel irritated or tired, which may be accompanied by a slight foreign body sensation in the eye.
Both eyes
If both eyes feel gritty and sore most of the time and this isn’t accompanied by discharge, you may have dry eye, allergies, MGD or blepharitis. Some people may also experience these symptoms as a result of wearing contact lenses.
Just one eye
Grittiness or soreness in just one eye may also feel like you have something in your eye, giving you a superficial foreign body sensation. You should seek the advice of your optometrist, pharmacist or GP as this could indicate a specific problem, such as infection, or a scratch on the surface of the eye that needs treatment.
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watery eyes
When the eyes are producing excessive tears, causing a long-lasting wet sensation around the eyes.
Both eyes
Watering in both eyes may be due to multiple factors, such as allergies, conditions like dry eye or MGD, and sinusitis. Other environmental irritants may also cause watery eyes, including smoke and pollution. It’s recommended that you speak to your optometrist or pharmacist to find the best solution to resolve this symptom.
Just one eye
If only one eye is watering, then get this checked out by your optometrist, who can assess your symptoms and check what the cause may be. You may have a blocked tear duct that needs treatment, or you may be experiencing this symptom due to having something in one eye, causing irritation. It’s recommended that you speak to your optometrist or pharmacist.
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Sore eyelids
Where the eyelids become tender (sore).
Both eyes
Sore eyelids can indicate inflammation. Inflammation of the eyelids is known as blepharitis, which is often also associated with dry eyes. A product like Blepha EyeBag® is recommended to provide instant relief, while Blephagel® can be used to leave eyelids feeling refreshed and cool.
Just one eye
Soreness in just one eye may indicate that you have a stye or chalazion. In some cases, blepharitis may occur in one eye and cause these symptoms, although this is less common.
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Puffy or swollen eyelids
Where the eyelid becomes unusually swollen.
Both eyes
Puffy or swollen eyes may be caused by allergies as well as inflammation. Eyelids need gentle care to keep them healthy, which is why we recommend using a soothing eyelid and eye contour cream like Blephaderm®.
Just one eye
If you experience puffiness in just one eye, it could be an indication of a stye or chalazion.
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Sticky eyes
The sensation of having gooey or sometimes crusty substances in or around the eyes. If you’re experiencing sticky eyes, you might have a mild eye infection, a bacterial infection or allergic conjunctivitis. You may also have blepharitis, which can cause this symptom in some cases. Speak to your optometrist or pharmacist for advice to get to the bottom of the cause.
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Contact lens discomfort
A simple way to improve the comfort of your contact lenses is to help hydrate and lubricate your eyes with preservative-free dry eye drops.
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Related eye conditions & symptoms
Dry eye symptoms
From grittiness to watering, dry eyes come with various symptoms – learn more about these and what to look out for here.
Allergy-related eye symptoms
Learn more about common allergy-related eye symptoms, how to recognise them and when you should visit an eye care professional.
Blepharitis symptoms
Understand the symptoms of blepharitis and when it’s recommended to speak to an eye care professional if you think you’re experiencing any symptoms.
Check out our eye conditions page to learn more about specific eye conditions, and explore Théa’s product range to support the management and treatment of your symptoms.
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Thea is a company dedicated to eye care and to supporting the education of professionals involved in all aspects of eye health.
We are uncompromising in our approach to developing the best eye care solutions that won’t damage or irritate eyes.
