Eye Emergencies: 5 Optical Issues You Should Not Ignore

Most of the time, eye problems can be waited out or eased with simple remedies. Itchy eyes can be soothed with ointment, while pink eye usually responds to a solution of boric acid and water delivered by an eyedropper a few times a day and the removal of whatever allergens caused the eye to become irritated. However, there are some problems with the eye that need to be attended to immediately; otherwise, they can result in loss of vision or even total blindness. Here are five of them:

1. Sudden, severe pain in the eye

This is a symptom of acute angle-closure glaucoma. Unlike chronic glaucoma, whose symptoms are insidious, the symptoms come suddenly, caused by the obstruction of fluid that would normally drain from the eye. The pain is such that you would probably think to call for medical attention in any case. You may need hospitalization and a type of surgery called an iridectomy to prevent other attacks if treatments such as eye drops to lower the pressure in the eye don’t work.

2. Halos around lights and blurred vision in bright light

This may be a sign of a developing cataract. This is a clouding of the lens of the eye, which is supposed to be perfectly clear. If a cataract is not treated, it can lead to loss of vision. They are completely curable with cataract surgery and the placement of an intraocular lens.

3. A gradual darkening of vision, as if a curtain is being pulled down

This is a sign of a transient ischemic attack, or TIA. It’s caused by a temporary decrease in the blood flow to the brain. The blockage is often caused by a small clot that breaks away and is taken to the brain or the carotid artery in the neck. A TIA is a sign of an impending stroke and must be seen to as soon as possible.

4. Pain behind the eye that gets worse when the head is bent forward

When this pain appears along with the eye being sensitive to light, mental confusion, lethargy and a severely painful headache, it may be a sign of either meningitis or a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes that enclose the brain, while subarachnoid hemorrhage is when the membrane around the brain starts to bleed. Both are medical emergencies, so contact a professional at a clinic like Country Hills Eye Center immediately if this happens to you.

5. Bulging eye or eyes

This is called exophthalmos or proptosis. The eyes do not only bulge, but the person has double vision and sometimes pain. Bulging eyes occur when the tissue behind the eyes starts to swell. This can be caused by an overactive thyroid gland, an infection or tumor, a blood clot or hemorrhage in the blood vessels behind the eye or an injury. Bulging eyes can be treated when the underlying reason for them is resolved.