Elderly Care: Helping You Deal With the Dying Process

Listening To Your Eyes: 5 Symptoms Of Poor Eye Health And What They May Mean

24 May 2022

Julio Carr

Your eyes don't just speak about you, such as showing the world you're happy or sad or curious or shocked; they also speak to you. Listening to your eyes is key to keeping them healthy and functional.

1. Your Eyes Are Always Itchy And Irritated

Consider your indoor air quality: Is there adequate ventilation and circulation? Have the filters in the heating and/or air conditioning systems been changed lately? Dust, mold, and all kinds of particulates could be floating in the air around you, making for over-worked and irritated eyes, not to mention labored breathing. 

2. Your Eyes Are Often Red

This symptom may be your eyes letting you know you're getting too much screen time. Be it your phone, computer, or television, excess viewing causes numerous issues, including excess redness. 

Unfortunately, if you use drops to remove redness, doing so too often can backfire, actually exacerbating blood vessel enlargement. Eyes tend to appear red and tired more easily as you age, too, possibly creating the situation of over-use of drops. 

3. You Deal With Blurry Vision

While blurred or double vision could be caused by a number of issues, you may merely have a simple vitamin B12 deficiency. Lack of this vitamin can cause damage to optic nerves. Additionally, blurred vision can be attributed to age, near- or far-sightedness, or simple dryness; however, this symptom, if it persists or is serious, should be checked out by a professional.

4. You Suffer Too Many Infections

While anyone can expect an occasional eye infection, if you're experiencing an inordinate number, you should examine your environment(s) and habits. You shouldn't be sharing anything that touches your eyes with other people, such as towels or cosmetics. You should also disinfect your eyewear, including ordinary sunglasses, often. Wash off makeup and sunscreen before going to bed and avoid touching your eyes unless your hands have been washed.

Viruses, bacteria, and fungi can all enter one eye or both from a slew of unsuspecting sources, creating infections; this is also a happenstance worthy of professional attention.

5. You Have Inconsistent And Inexplicable Disturbances In Vision

If your vision is off here and there without apparent cause, your blood glucose levels may be fluctuating. Such spikes may leave your eye lenses temporarily inflamed, leading to odd and alarming disturbances in your vision. Notice, too, if you're feeling particularly thirsty and tired or experiencing headaches during instances of poor vision, which could all mean your blood glucose levels are inconsistent.

Although this condition could be temporary and benign, it may warrant further inquiry with your physician, as it could be an indication of diabetes or pre-diabetes. Either way, managing blood sugar is good for your eyes and your body.

Because you may not always understand your eye symptoms or be able to remedy them, it's important to know when to visit a healthcare professional. You should have regular eye exams; however, be sure and talk to an eye care doctor if your eyes are constantly complaining that something just isn't right with them. 

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