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Eye Problems

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Pain, redness and loss of vision are important problems that require medical attention.
Eye problems can warn us of other health problems as well.


 

SYMPTOMS   DIAGNOSIS   SELF-CARE
Begin here        
1. Is your eyelid red and/or tender, or is your eye inflamed or tearing? Yes --> Go to Question 9.*    
No, go down        
2. Have you recently injured your eye or do you have a loss of vision? Yes --> Your problem may be a serious and urgent problem, such as a RETINAL DETACHMENT. --> EMERGENCY
Call your doctor right away or go to the nearest emergency room.
No, go down        
3. Do you have blurred vision or see halos around lights? Yes --> Your symptoms may be from GLAUCOMA, an abnormal pressure in the eye that can cause permanent damage or blindness. --> URGENT
If you have these symptoms, promptly call your doctor. If you have pain or loss of vision, seek help right away.
No, go down        
4. Do you have pain in the temple and a change in your vision? Yes --> This may be from an inflammatory condition called TEMPORAL ARTERITIS. --> Promptly make an appointment to see your doctor.
No, go down        
5. Do you have thick nasal drainage or pressure behind your eyes? Yes --> SINUSITIS (infection of the sinuses) may be the cause of your pain. --> Use a cold or sinus medicine. If you don't improve or if you have constant fever or severe pain, see your doctor as soon as possible.
No, go down        
6. Do you have diabetes and a change in your vision? Yes --> Your eye problems may be related to your diabetes. --> Watch your blood sugar level carefully and consult your doctor.
No, go down        
7. Does your toddler have crossed eyes? Yes --> Crossed eyes, or STRABISMUS, can occur when eye muscles become weak or there is a loss or lack of vision in one eye. --> Have your child seen by an eye specialist (ophthalmologist).
No, go down        
8. Do you have problems reading or need to squint a lot? Yes --> You may need new glasses. --> See an eye specialist (ophthalmologist) or optometrist.
No, go down        
*9. Is there fever with one eye red, swollen and tender to the touch? Yes --> This may represent a serious infection in the eye called PERIORBITAL CELLULITIS. --> URGENT
See your doctor right away.
No, go down        
10. Is there a firm lump in the eyelid or a tender "pimple" on the edge of the eyelid? Yes --> This is probably either a CHALAZION or a HORDEOLUM; both are types of STY. --> Apply warm compresses and take mild analgesics. Sties usually heal in five to seven days. If the bump grows and doesn't go away, see your doctor. If the redness spreads or swells quickly, seek help promptly.
No, go down        
11. Is the white of the eye pink, red or irritated, and are there any secretions or mucus? Yes --> Classic "PINK EYE," usually called CONJUNCTIVITIS, can be caused by a virus or bacteria. --> Use cold or sinus medicines. If there's no improvement, you may have a more serious form of viral or bacterial conjunctivitis. See your doctor promptly. This is very contagious, so wash your hands often.
No, go down        
12. Does your eye feel like something is under the lid, or is there watering that started with a poke in the eye or dust in the eye? Yes --> This sensation may be from a SCRATCHED CORNEA or from a small particle under the lid. --> Use an eyewash solution and an eye cup. If the sensation doesn't go away, see your doctor as soon as possible.
No, go down        
13. Is there pain in your eye and have you lost some vision? Yes --> You may have a rare but serious condition called IRITIS. --> EMERGENCY
See your doctor or an eye specialist right away.
No, go down        
14. Are the edges of your eyelids sore, red or scaling? Yes --> This chronic irritation is called BLEPHARITIS. --> Wash your eye gently with an eyewash and washcloth. If the problem doesn't resolve, see your doctor.
No, go down        
15. Do you wear contact lenses and have pain? Yes --> You may have an irritation from contact lens overuse or a more serious eye condition due to contact lens wear. --> Remove your contact lenses. If the redness or irritation doesn't go away, see your eye care professional.
No, go down        
16. Is there swelling near the eye with itching or is there a bite-like swelling of the lid? Yes --> This swelling may be from an ALLERGY or an INSECT BITE. --> Use a cool compress and take an antihistamine. See your doctor if the swelling doesn't get better or there is a fever.
No, go down        
For more information, please consult your doctor. If you think the problem is serious, call right away.        

This tool has been reviewed by doctors and is for general educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information in this tool should not be relied upon to make decisions about your health. Always consult your family doctor with questions about your individual condition(s) and/or circumstances. Source: American Academy of Family Physicians. Family Health & Medical Guide. Dallas: Word Publishing; 1996.

Copyright © 2006 American Academy of Family Physicians
 
 
 

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