Vision that is blurry all the time needs checking out by your optometrist first – it may be that you need new glasses or that there is an underlying problem that needs managing, such as cataracts.
Blurry vision that comes and goes during the day can be a result of tired eyes – this may be because you need new glasses, so seek the advice of your optometrist first.
Smeary vision that comes and goes as you blink is likely to be caused by an unstable tear film disturbing your vision.
If in doubt seek advice from a healthcare professional.
The most common causes of two red eyes are ‘Dry Eye’ or ‘allergy’, but it can also mean infection.
You should seek the advice of your optometrist, pharmacist or GP as this could indicate a specific problem such as an infection or inflammation that needs treatment.
If in doubt seek advice from a healthcare professional.
‘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.
Remember that an eye test is not just about checking for new glasses: optometrists are also trained to detect signs of eye disease and can refer you for specialist treatment.
If your eyes are uncomfortable rather than painful, it could be that the surface of your eye needs more lubrication, dry eye drops can alleviate the discomfort.
If in doubt seek advice from a healthcare professional.
If both eyes are gritty and sore, most of the time, and there is no discharge, you are likely to have ‘Dry Eye’, ‘allergy’ or blepharitis.
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.
If in doubt seek advice from a healthcare professional.
If both of your eyes tend to water after being exposed to grass pollen or animals, you may have an eye allergy or seasonal allergy – speak to your pharmacist to find the best solution to resolve it. If both eyes water easily in the wind or cold conditions, this is likely to be Dry Eye.
If it is just one of your eyes that seems to overflow, then get this checked out by your optometrist, who can assess your tear ducts to see if there is a local ‘eye plumbing’ problem that needs treatment.
If in doubt seek advice from a healthcare professional.
You might have a mild eye infection such as conjunctivitis – speak to your optometrist or pharmacist for advice.
If in doubt seek advice from a healthcare professional.
If both eyes feel like this most of the time, and there is no discharge, you are likely to have ‘Dry Eye’, ‘allergy’ or blepharitis
If you feel like there is a foreign body in just one eye, it could be just that, and if it cannot be easily removed, you should get this checked out by your optometrist without delay.
If in doubt seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Sore eyelids indicate inflammation. Inflammation of the eyelids is called Blepharitis which is often associated with dry eyes too. Eyelids need gentle care to keep them healthy.
If in doubt seek advice from a healthcare professional.
A simple way to improve the comfort of your contact lenses is to help hydrate and lubricate your eyes with Dry Eye drops, but they must be preservative free.
If in doubt seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Thea is a company dedicated to eye care and to supporting the education of professionals involved in all aspects of eye health.
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