Our eyes are constantly communicating with us. Redness, irritation, blurred vision and light sensitivity may be temporary, but they can also indicate that an eye examination is needed. Learning to recognize these signals can help you protect your sight and take action when something changes.

Blurred or fluctuating vision

Vision that becomes less clear may simply mean that your eyeglass or contact lens prescription needs to be adjusted. It can also be related to eye strain, dry eyes or prolonged screen use.

However, vision that fluctuates regularly can sometimes be associated with health conditions such as diabetes. If the change persists, occurs frequently or suddenly affects only one eye, it is best to consult an eye care professional.

Red or irritated eyes

Red eyes are common and can have many causes, including lack of sleep, allergies, dryness, dust, smoke, cosmetics or prolonged contact lens wear.

Redness accompanied by significant pain, reduced vision, strong light sensitivity or unusual discharge requires prompt attention. These symptoms may be associated with an infection, inflammation or another condition that needs treatment.

Burning, grittiness or watery eyes

When the eyes are not properly lubricated, they may burn, sting or feel as though there is sand under the eyelids. Surprisingly, dry eyes can also cause excessive watering as the eyes attempt to compensate for irritation by producing more tears.

Heating, air conditioning, screen use, certain medications and hormonal changes can all contribute to this discomfort. An optometrist can identify the underlying cause and recommend an appropriate solution.

Headaches and eye strain

Headaches at the end of the day, difficulty maintaining focus or a feeling of heaviness around the eyes can indicate excessive visual effort. An outdated prescription, poor lighting, an unsuitable workstation or long periods of screen use may be responsible.

Taking frequent breaks, blinking regularly and looking into the distance can help reduce discomfort. If symptoms continue, an eye examination can determine whether vision correction or another intervention is needed.

Increased sensitivity to light

Sensitivity to light, also known as photophobia, can accompany a migraine, irritation or dry eyes. When it develops suddenly or occurs along with pain, redness or reduced vision, it should not be ignored.

Floaters and flashes of light

Floaters may look like small dots, threads or shadows moving across your field of vision. They are often associated with natural age-related changes in the vitreous and are generally harmless.

A sudden increase in floaters, particularly when accompanied by flashes of light, a dark area or a curtain-like shadow in your vision, may indicate a retinal tear or detachment. In this situation, contact an eye care professional or go to the emergency department immediately. Prompt treatment can help protect your sight.

Difficulty seeing at night

Needing more light to read or taking longer to adjust to darkness can be part of the eye’s natural aging process. However, a noticeable decline in night vision, halos around lights or increasing difficulty driving after dark may be associated with an outdated prescription, cataracts or another visual condition.

Some eye conditions have no early warning signs

The eyes do not always provide obvious signals. Several eye diseases, including glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, can progress silently in their early stages. Open-angle glaucoma, for example, often causes no early symptoms.

That is why regular eye examinations remain important, even when your vision seems perfectly clear. In addition to measuring visual acuity, your optometrist examines the different structures of the eye and may identify changes before you notice them.

When should you seek prompt care?

A rapid assessment is recommended if you experience:

• Sudden or significant vision loss;
• Severe eye pain;
• A very red eye accompanied by pain or blurred vision;
• Sudden double vision;
• New flashes of light or many new floaters;
• A shadow, veil or curtain-like effect in your field of vision;
• An eye injury or a possible foreign object in the eye.

Listen to your eyes

Temporary discomfort is not always a cause for concern, but any new, persistent or sudden symptom deserves attention. Your eyes can provide valuable information about their condition—and may sometimes offer clues about your overall health.

If you notice a change in your vision or experience unusual discomfort, book an appointment with your IRIS eye care professional. A comprehensive eye examination can help identify the cause and determine the appropriate care.