16 Types of Eye Problems

1. Astigmatism

Astigmatism is an eye condition where either the lens or cornea of the eye is abnormally shaped disrupting visual abilities and causing symptoms such as blurred vision, glare from lights and eye strain. Astigmatism can stem from causes such as keratoconus, eye injury, age, eye surgery, genetics or family history and eye disease according to the Cleveland Clinic. Treating astigmatism typically requires prescription glasses, contact lenses or eye surgery. According to the National Eye Institute, astigmatism cannot be prevented.

2. Blepharitis

Blepharitis refers to the inflammation of the eyelids and is often characterised by red or swollen eyelids that may also be itchy, sore or burn. Blepharitis is commonly caused by bacteria that collect at the base of the eyelashes, or in the glands near the eyelids, according to Health Direct. Other causes of blepharitis include dry eyes, allergies and mites in the eyelashes. Blepharitis commonly occurs in both eyes and is not contagious. In summary, the answer to what is blepharitis is eyelid inflammation.

3. Chalazion

A chalazion is an eye condition that is characterised by swelling or inflammation on the eyelid that can evolve into an enlarged bump. A chalazion is caused by blocked oil glands in the eye and may start out as a stye. This eye condition can often go unnoticed as it is painless, however, if it becomes infected it can cause pain and redness around the area. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, a chalazion may affect a person’s vision as it can grow large enough to press on the eyeball, leading to blurred eyesight. The treatments for a chalazion in the eyelid include a gentle massage, warm compress, eye surgery and medication and can vary depending on the severity of your condition.

4. Cloudy Vision

Cloudy vision is a symptom that is characterised by vision that is hazy and occurs suddenly. Cloudy vision is often described as looking through the fog and can sometimes be alleviated after gently rubbing your eyes or blinking a few times. Cloudy vision can develop as a result of cataracts as you get older. It might be helpful to note that cloudy vision is not the same as blurry vision. Treating cloudy vision may require surgery according to Healthline. Surgery for cataracts usually involves removing the cloudy lens and implanting a clear artificial lens.

5. Computer Eye Strain

Computer eye strain, also known as digital eye strain, occurs when the eyes become fatigued from extended screen time. Common causes include prolonged use of computers, tablets, or smartphones, poor lighting, and uncorrected vision issues. Symptoms often include dry or itchy eyes, blurry vision, headaches, neck or shoulder pain, and difficulty focusing. To alleviate discomfort, experts recommend the 20-20-20 rule. Take a 20-second break, every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away. You can also adjust screen settings, use proper lighting, and wear glasses with blue light protection if needed. Regular eye exams can also help prevent or manage strain.

6. Double Vision (Diplopia)

Double vision, or diplopia, is a symptom where a person sees two separate or overlapping images of the same object. It happens when light doesn’t focus on both retinas in the same spot. Diplopia can be temporary, permanent, or intermittent. There are two types, binocular diplopia, which occurs when both eyes are open, and monocular diplopia, which persists even when one eye is closed. The causes of double vision range from mild issues like fatigue and astigmatism to more serious conditions such as multiple sclerosis. Treating double vision may require prism glasses or surgery according to Healthline.

7. Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry eye syndrome or dry eyes is a common condition that can be defined as a lack of tears produced or an inadequate quality of tears. This hinders the eye from retaining moisture, which is vital for protection and maintaining ocular comfort. Treating dry eyes may involve using artificial tears or special eye drop solutions that help generate more tears. Another form of dry eye treatment is intentionally blocking your tear ducts to retain your tears. Dry eyes can result from a variety of factors, including aging, medical conditions, contact lens use, hormonal changes, eye surgery, frequent rubbing of the eyes, extended screen time, and infrequent blinking according to Health Direct.

8. Floaters

Floaters are spots or lines in a person’s vision that are caused by changes to the vitreous inside the eye. The vitreous is a gel substance found throughout the eye which gives the eye its round shape. The fluid of the vitreous body is clear, gelatinous and has no colour. Eye floaters are most often caused by aging, as the vitreous gel in the eye shrinks and becomes more liquid, leading to the formation of collagen fibres. These fibres can create the appearance of spots or squiggly lines in your vision. This process is called posterior vitreous detachment (PVD).

9. Hyperopia (Farsightedness)

Hyperopia, also known as farsightedness, is a refractive error that causes improper refraction of light, leading to impaired vision when seeing objects at a close distance. When light enters the eye, it is refracted towards the retina. If someone has hyperopia, the light entering the eye refracts behind the retina, not on the retina as it should, leading to blurry near vision. Hyperopia is most commonly diagnosed by an optometrist or other eye care professional during a standard eye test. An optometrist may use several eye tests to diagnose hyperopia (farsightedness), such as a slit lamp test, a refraction test, and a visual acuity test. The most common treatment for hyperopia is prescription glasses, which help adjust how light focuses on the retina. For those with farsighted vision, laser eye surgery is also a potential treatment option.

10. Myopia (Shortsightedness)

Myopia or nearsightedness, is an eye condition that can occur as a result of an elongated eyeball or an overly curved cornea. This disrupts the eyes’ ability to refract light onto the retina when looking in the distance or focusing on distant objects. The retina is the part of the eye that changes light into images and sends the visual information through the optic nerve to the brain. Symptoms of myopia (shortsightedness) include blurry vision, eye strain, trouble seeing distant objects and squinting. Myopia can be treated with a pair of prescription eyeglasses.

11. Ocular Hypertension

Ocular hypertension refers to when the pressure in the eye is unusually high, sometimes as a result of disrupted fluid drainage. Ocular hypertension can stem from excess production of aqueous humour or having an issue with the eye’s drainage system according to the Cleveland Clinic. This condition does not typically present symptoms, which is why it is important to get regular eye tests so an optometrist can check eye pressure levels according to Healthline.

12. Ocular Migraine

Ocular migraine refers to the visual disturbances or aura that can accompany a migraine headache according to the Eye Practice Australia. These episodes may occur before, during, or after the headache, or in some cases, without any headache or pain at all. Some visual disturbances that can appear in your vision can include a scotoma (blind spot), and a scintillating scotoma (an aura that moves or flickers) according to the Cleveland Clinic. They can typically affect one or both eyes. Ocular migraines are also known as ophthalmic, retinal, eye, visual, silent, or monocular migraines. An ocular migraine can potentially stem from triggers such as high blood pressure, stress, smoking, dehydration, exercise, low blood sugar and excessive heat. Treatment may only be recommended for cases that occur frequently and involve calcium channel blockers according to the Cleveland Clinic.

13. Presbyopia

Presbyopia is an age-related eye condition and refractive error that leads to blurry vision when looking at objects close-up and it typically presents after the age of 40. While presbyopia has similar symptoms to farsightedness (hyperopia), that being blurry near vision, they are different eye conditions with different causes. Presbyopia causes near vision to be blurry as, when a person ages, the lens in their eye becomes hard and less flexible which makes it more difficult for the eyes to focus on near objects. Presbyopia is a very common eye condition and may be treated with progressive/multifocal lenses, contact lenses, reading glasses, refractive surgery, bifocal glasses and corneal inlays.

14. Red Eye

Red eyes refer to when the white portion of the eye known as the sclera appears red or bloodshot. Red eyes can be triggered by a variety of factors, which can make it difficult to determine the exact cause. However, there are common reasons behind this condition. Bloodshot eyes occur when the tiny blood vessels in the eye expand, which can result from certain eye issues or environmental factors. Common causes of red eyes include allergies and dry eyes, which are typically not serious and can often be treated with eye drops. Treating red eyes may involve prescribed eye drops for allergies or dry eyes. However, your optometrist will be able to determine the most appropriate treatment based on the severity of your condition.

15. Stye (External Hordeolum)

A stye or external hordeolum is a red swollen lump on or near the eyelid. According to Health Direct, a stye is generally caused by a bacterial infection of an eyelash follicle. A stye may resemble the appearance of a pimple and may be located inside the eyelid or on the base of the eyelash. A stye may not always require treatment, as the infection may clear up on its own. If a stye has not gone away after 10 days to 2 weeks, it is important to see an optometrist or medical professional, so they can determine if treatment is needed and what kind. Treatment for a stye can include a warm compress and antibiotics according to Health Direct.

16. Watering Eyes

Watering eyes can take place when the eyes produce excessive tears or when the tears can’t drain properly. The lacrimal glands produce tears to maintain optimal health and comfort but this process can be prevented by issues with the eyes or the tear system (lacrimal apparatus). Common causes of watery eyes include eye infections, allergies, blocked tear ducts, dry eyes, styes, and eye injuries. Watery eyes are more of a symptom that can be alleviated when addressing the underlying cause. Treating watery eyes may require artificial tears, antibiotic eye drops, antihistamines and removing the foreign body from your eye. Watery eyes may not always require treatment if they are not causing any more problems to your eyes, vision or daily activities.

What are the Signs of Unhealthy Eyes?

The signs of unhealthy eyes may include a dark spot in your vision, difficulty focusing on near or distant objects, excessive tears or discharge, floaters, blurry vision and eye pain. These are just some potentially common signs of unhealthy eyes or eyes that may have a condition. It is always important to see an optometrist when you notice any changes to your vision. The signs of unhealthy eyes are listed below.

• A dark spot in your vision: A dark spot in your vision may be a sign or symptom of serious eye conditions such as retinal tear or detachment or scotoma and other conditions. However, it can also be another form of a floater, your optometrist will be able to determine the nature of your symptoms.
• Difficulty focusing on near or distant objects: Difficulty focusing on near or distant objects may indicate refractive errors and may require prescription glasses.
• Excessive tears or discharge: Excessive tears or discharge can mean a range of different issues both minor and major such as allergies or an eye infection.
• Floaters: Floaters, while may not cause any harm themselves, can be a sign of a more serious condition or a natural sign of aging eyes.
• Blurry Vision: Blurry vision can be described as vision that is not sharp or lacks detail and can be a sign of other eye conditions.
• Eye Pain: Eye pain can be a telltale sign of underlying conditions but can also result from minor cases such as rubbing your eyes or prolonged screen time.

Read 16 Common Eye Problems in other Oscar Wylee regions and their languages.

Australia

Australia

Canada

Canadian French