According to Dr. Duong Minh Phuc, a Master and Doctor at the High-Tech Eye Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City, symptoms such as eye redness and pain are common. They can be transient, resulting from the body's physiological responses or environmental factors affecting the eyes. However, these symptoms may also signal a serious eye condition that could threaten vision.

Dr. Phuc highlights several eye symptoms that warrant prompt medical evaluation, advising against self-treatment or waiting for them to resolve naturally.

Prolonged eye redness

Eye redness is a common condition occurring when tiny blood vessels on the white of the eye dilate. Causes can include dry eyes, allergies, blepharitis, or conjunctivitis, which typically improve with appropriate treatment. However, if redness persists, especially when accompanied by tearing, pain, or reduced vision, it could indicate a more serious condition. A comprehensive examination is essential to determine the cause and ensure timely treatment.

Doctor Phuc examines a young man's eyes. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital

Prolonged or sudden blurred vision

Persistent blurred vision or sudden vision loss can stem from refractive errors or damage to eye structures such as the cornea, lens, retina, optic nerve, and the blood vessels supplying the eye. This symptom might indicate conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration, or optic neuritis. Without early detection and treatment, these conditions can lead to irreversible vision loss or even blindness, according to Dr. Phuc.

Numerous "floaters" in the eye

"Floaters" are small black spots, thread-like strands, or cobweb-like shapes that appear to drift in the field of vision, caused by vitreous opacities. Dr. Phuc notes that this condition is often benign. However, if a sudden increase in the number of black spots occurs, accompanied by flashes of light or a sensation of a dark curtain obstructing vision, these could be signs of a vitreous hemorrhage, retinal tear, or retinal detachment. Prompt treatment is crucial to preserve vision.

Severe eye pain

Transient eye pain may result from dry or strained eyes due to prolonged use of electronic devices or lifestyle habits. However, persistent, severe eye pain, especially when combined with eye redness, headaches, photophobia, or reduced vision, could signal keratitis, uveitis, acute angle-closure glaucoma, or optic neuritis. These conditions can progress rapidly, causing irreversible vision loss, making early examination imperative.

Sudden double vision

Double vision, or diplopia, is the perception of a single object as two images. It occurs when the two eyes fail to coordinate properly, which can be due to extraocular muscle disorders or issues with the nerves controlling eye movement. Sudden onset of double vision, particularly when accompanied by a drooping eyelid, limb weakness or paralysis, difficulty speaking, dizziness, or severe headaches, may indicate nerve or brain blood vessel damage. Patients require urgent medical evaluation to determine the underlying cause.

Dr. Phuc emphasizes that not all eye symptoms are dangerous. However, if symptoms persist, recur, or appear with other abnormalities, individuals should visit an ophthalmology specialist for an examination, diagnosis, and appropriate treatment. Furthermore, self-medication should be avoided to prevent disease progression and reduce the risk of complications.

Dr. Phuc advises everyone to have regular eye check-ups every 6 months, especially those with risk factors such as being over 60 years old, having underlying conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, or prolonged corticosteroid use.

Ngoc Kim Tham