Regular eye exams are an important part of good eye health, But some signs and symptoms can indicate a medical emergency that can’t wait for your regular checkup.
Seek treatment immediately if you experience the following signs and symptoms in one or both eyes:
Sudden vision loss, including hazy or blurred vision
An increase in the number or size of floaters
Eye pain
Redness or swelling of your eye or eyelid
Flashes of light
Sudden appearance of halos or rainbows that form around lights
Loss of your peripheral vision
A curtain-like appearance over your field of vision
These might be indications of a retinal detachment–in which the retina detaches or pulls away from it’s normal position–or other serious eye conditions. It’s important to recognize these signs and symptoms early and seek prompt treatment to avoid permanent vision loss.
Source: Special Report Supplement to Mayo Clinic Health Letter February 2016
