Eye Health Red Flags: What to Watch Out For

When it comes to your eyes, swift action can make all the difference. Below are some key warning signs that should never be ignored. Knowing what to look out for—and why it matters—can help protect your vision and your health.

1. Direct Injury to the Eye or Eyelid

Signs:

• Bruising, bleeding, swelling

• Pain or sudden changes in vision

Why it Matters: Injuries around the eye (known as periocular trauma) can be serious. They may involve orbital fractures, eyelid lacerations, bleeding within the eye, globe rupture (a tear to the eyeball), or damage to the optic nerve.

Even minor-looking injuries can mask deeper damage. Remember: sight-threatening issues must be assessed, but life-threatening injuries always take priority. A full trauma evaluation is essential.

2. Sudden Blurred or Lost Vision

Signs:

• Persistent blurred vision

• Missing parts of your visual field (like a shadow or curtain)

Why it Matters: Sudden loss of vision could indicate a stroke, retinal detachment, or damage to the optic nerve. These are all medical emergencies that require immediate attention to prevent permanent vision loss.

3. Flashes of Light or Floaters

Signs:

• Flashes of light, especially in peripheral vision

• A sudden surge in floaters or black spots

Why it Matters: This could be an early warning of a retinal tear or detachment. The sooner it’s treated, the better the chance of preserving your vision.

4. Persistent Eye Pain or Pressure

Signs:

• Continuous aching, sharp pain, or pressure

• A sensation of something stuck in the eye

Why it Matters: These symptoms might point to acute glaucoma, infection, or serious inflammation. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are vital to prevent lasting damage.

5. Red Eyes That Don’t Settle

Signs:

• Redness that persists for days

• Associated pain, discharge, or changes in vision

Why it Matters: Ongoing redness could mean infection, uveitis, or inflammation. Leaving it untreated increases the risk of complications, including vision loss.

6. Halos Around Lights

Signs:

• Seeing rainbow-coloured rings or halos, particularly at night

Why it Matters: This might be a sign of cataracts or acute glaucoma. If halos appear suddenly and are paired with pain or nausea, it’s a medical emergency—seek help immediately.

7. Double Vision

Signs:

• Seeing two images, either side-by-side or overlapping

Why it Matters: Double vision may stem from issues with the eye muscles, nerves, or even the brain. It could be related to a stroke, multiple sclerosis, or cranial nerve palsy, all of which warrant urgent medical review.

8. Swollen Eyelid or Eye (Especially in Children)

Signs:

• Puffiness around the eye

• Feeling unwell or running a fever

• Recent sinus infection or dental procedure

Why it Matters: If swelling is limited to the skin, it’s known as pre-septal cellulitis. If it spreads into the orbit, it becomes orbital cellulitis—a serious condition with the potential to reach the brain. This requires early antibiotics, hospital care, and close monitoring.

9. Eye Bulging (Proptosis)

Signs:

• One eye appearing to push forward

• Pain, double vision, or difficulty moving the eye

Why it Matters: Sudden bulging might be caused by internal bleeding or infection. If it occurs gradually, thyroid eye disease or an orbital tumour could be the cause. Both scenarios require prompt medical attention.

10. Post-Surgery Complications

Signs:

• Redness, heat, swelling, pus, or opened stitches

• Ongoing pain or changes in vision after surgery

Why it Matters: These could indicate wound infection or endophthalmitis—a rare but serious infection inside the eye. Don't wait. Contact your surgeon or go to your local emergency department straight away.

If you’ve had surgery under my care and have any concerns—big or small—please do not hesitate to get in touch via my admin team. I will personally handle your query as soon as possible. For out-of-hours emergencies, contact your local emergency department or out-of-hours GP service.