How do I Diagnose Eye Problems in Humans?

When a person experiences sudden changes in vision, blind spots or redness, it could be a symptom of an eye problem. If any of these symptoms persist, you should see your doctor immediately.

Questions

• After encountering an eye problem, consider some questions that your doctor will ask. Keep track of when and how the problem started, how long it has lasted, and if time of day or any other factors affects it. Try to describe your vision changes as clearly as possible, and let your doctor know about any medications you take.

Symptoms

• Eye problems sometimes have a physical manifestation, such as itchiness or swollen eyes. More often they are indicated by a change in vision, such as blurriness, loss of vision and distortion (halo effect, double vision, or lack of depth perception). These can indicate astigmatism, a stroke or even a detached retina, so see your doctor if you suddenly experience any of those symptoms. Keep a careful record of any changes in vision or eye appearance.

Diagnosis

• You should not treat any eye problem without the help of a professional. However, by knowing a little about what your symptoms could indicate, you arm yourself with knowledge and can get a feel the seriousness of your condition. A bloodshot eye that persists could be a sign of pink eye, while excessive blinking could indicate dry eyes or a problem with your contacts. Use a tool like Eye Problems A-Z (in the Resources section) to narrow your options.