Eye-Problems Diagnosis

Almost all of us have experienced eye problems secondary to stress, infection, or other conditions that cause eye discomfort. Usually these eye problems are temporary and can be resolved without seeking treatment. However, there are more-serious eye problems that require treatment, especially if they last for more than two days and involve a watering eye, headache, pain, swelling or fever.

Seeking Medical Attention

• Although there are many common problems, if you notice severe pain in the eye, you should seek immediate medical attention. This is especially true if there are accompanying symptoms such as the inability to see clearly, headache, nausea and vomiting.

Before Diagnostic Tests

• You will need to remove your corrective lenses or glasses during an examination. Eye drops may be used to dilate and numb the eyes. When dilating drops are used, the eyes may become sensitive to light and there may be difficulty in how the eyes focus. Dye may also be used to coat the area of the cornea that might be torn or scratched, and it will be evident during the examination.

Diagnostic Tests

• A refraction exam determines how the eye refracts or bends light. This affects your ability to focus, which affects your vision. This test can also help an eye doctor determine if you have nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism or presbyopia.

  A phoropter is a device that helps a technician or an eye doctor determine if you have a need for corrective lenses. It is used in association with an eye chart.

  Color-vision testing will determine if you are color-blind and for which colors.

  An ophthalmoscope helps to examine the structures of the eye, such as the cornea, the lens, the retina and the blood vessels.

  A slit-lamp exam will help to magnify various parts of the eye, such as the cornea, the lens, the iris, and the vitreous gel. This exam may be performed if there is a question of the health of the eye, if there is a corneal abrasion or tear, or if there is a foreign object in the eye.

Risks of Drops

• Do not use anesthetic drops on a regular basis because they can cause more problems with the eye. In some people, the risk of dilating or eye drops can involve dry mouth, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, allergic reactions and increased pressure in the eyeball.

Treatment for Eye Problems

• Antibiotics will be provided by eye drops or ointment and will help diminish infection in the eye and prevent pain.

  Artificial tears can help reduce irritants in the eye and prevent dryness.

  If there is pain in the eye or behind the eye, you will most likely take medication such as anti-inflammatory drops or a steroid to reduce the pain.

  Depending on your problem, a doctor may give you dilating drops to prevent the eye from focusing and reduce the sensitivity to light.

  Surgery may be needed for problems such as corneal tears, corneal erosion and glaucoma. The surgery should reduce the symptoms or fix the problem.