Like an annual physical exam, a routine eye checkup must be a priority if you are looking to achieve optimal well-being and safety. If you have a family history of eye-related medical conditions, you must schedule regular evaluations for your eye health. As the old adage goes, "An ounce of prevention is better than a pound of cure."

Eye issues come in many forms. In some instances, symptoms that we initially thought were harmless are telltale signs of a serious disorder. Listed below are signs of potential eye problems to look out for. 

If your eyes feel dry, itchy, irritated, or watery, you may be experiencing signs of dry eye disease. Aging, stress, certain medications, medical conditions such as Meibomian Gland Dysfunction, rheumatoid arthritis, and Sjorgen’s syndrome are common causative factors of the disease. While there are no exact treatments for this condition, there are many ways dry eye disease can be managed over the long term. Intense pulsed laser therapy such as OptiLight by Lumenis is an effective, delicate, and safe way to alleviate eye dryness and other associated symptoms. Without proper management and treatment intervention, dry eye disease can damage the eye’s surface area and lead to loss of vision. 

Double vision happens when you see two images either on top of one another or next to each another. This should be an immediate cause for concern as double vision has a negative impact on critical activities, including balance, driving, reading, and other daily routines. Even if it occurs infrequently, randomly, or several times a day, it is recommended to seek the expertise of a skilled eye doctor. Several underlying conditions cause double vision, such as nerve damage, muscle damage, and weakened eye muscles. Illicit drug use and excessive alcohol consumption may also cause double vision. 

Eye pain is a collective term that includes shooting, stabbing, or throbbing pain in and around the eye region. Causes of eye pain include irritation by a foreign objective, bacterial infection, trauma, and an underlying illness. You shouldn’t feel pain in your eye. If eye pain occurs with other symptoms, such as a headache, it is a possible acute attack without any underlying condition. If you feel pain in your eye regularly, it may be best to seek the expertise of an optometrist to diagnose, manage, and treat the condition accordingly. 

Floaters or spots in our vision usually happen when we look at bright lights. However, persistent floaters are a sign of a serious medical condition. Floaters are also common among the elderly population. This condition results from eye deterioration, turning vitreous fluid into fibers clumped together, and forming floaters. 

If you experience one, two, or more of the eye symptoms listed above, you must schedule an examination with your eye doctor. While acute symptoms should not cause concern, lingering or prolonged signs and symptoms should be managed immediately to prevent complications and ensure effective long-term treatment.