Eyes Give Warnings of Danger to Sight
By: Mark Sibley, M.D., F.A.C.S.
The eyes can give signs of warning that indicate it's time to have
them examined by a specialist. Some of the eyes' danger signs are
included in the following:
1. Sudden loss of vision.
2. Seeing flashes of light, floating spots or halos around lights.
3. Double vision.
4. A permanent or temporary loss of any part of the field of
vision.
5. Swelling of the lids or inflammation of the eye.
6. Pain in and around the eyes.
7. An appearance of crossed eyes, red-rimmed, encrusted or swollen
eyelids, inflamed or watery eyes, or recurring sties.
8. Children, too, may have eye problems indicated by complaints of
eyes that itch, burn, or feel scratchy; eyes that cannot see well;
dizziness, headaches, or nausea following close work; or blurred
or double vision.
Children sometimes are showing signs of eye trouble when they rub
their eyes excessively, shut or cover one eye, or tilt or thrust
their head forward to read. They may have sight problems if they
have difficulty reading or doing work requiring close use of the
eyes; if they blink more than usual or are irritable when doing
close work; if they are unable to see distant things clearly; or
if they squint or frown to see.
A child who stumbles over small objects may be having trouble
seeing.
A reminder...
January is National Eye Care month, and the American Academy of
Ophthalmology and all 50 state ophthalmology societies are
sponsoring a National Eye Care Project.
This project is designed to give persons 65 years old or older who
might not be able to afford medical eye care access to eye
examinations and treatment.
If you or someone you know needs medical eye care and is eligible,
please call 1-800-222-EYES (the toll-free help line operated by
the National Eye Care Project). Eligible callers will receive a
referral to a nearby ophthalmologist who has volunteered to
provide care.
Eyeglasses are not covered by this program, and this is not a
second opinion program for those who already have an
ophthalmologist.
About The Author
Dr. Mark Sibley, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a Board Certified
Ophthalmologist and laser specialist who practices locally. He is
medical advisor to the Society to Prevent Blindness and to the
American Diabetes Association, and is team ophthalmologist for the
Devil Rays. Visit
Florida
Eye Center for more information.
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