7 Signs of Unhealthy Eyes

Unhealthy eyes show signs and symptoms that you should not overlook. They are often caused by certain eye conditions such as diseases, injuries, infections, bad eating habits, an unhealthy lifestyle, hereditary, ageing, ultraviolet rays, and environmental irritants and allergens.

Khuram Sarwar, Dispensing Optician at Feel Good Contacts, says, “To maintain good eye health follow a healthy lifestyle and make sure you get your eyes checked regularly. An eye test can help detect any underlying eye conditions and ensure you get the required treatment in time.”

Common signs of unhealthy eyes

Following are some common signs and symptoms associated with unhealthy eyes you should be on the lookout for:

Red eyes – Inflamed or irritated eyes can cause the expansion of blood vessels, turning the white part of the eyes to appear red or pinkish. Allergies or pollutants and smoke in the air can cause red eyes. Persistent redness in the eyes can indicate an eye infection or other underlying eye conditions, such as conjunctivitis or glaucoma.

Yellowing of the eyes – When the white part of the eye (sclera) turns yellow, it can be an indicator of jaundice. Yellowing of eyes is generally caused by increased levels of a chemical known as ‘bilirubin’ in the body. As the liver produces the bilirubin when it’s damaged or inflamed, yellow sclera can be a sign of a liver condition.

Dryness in eyes – Dry eyes is a condition in which tears in the eyes cannot provide enough lubrication, causing inflamed, itchy and dry eyes. Chronic dry eyes can indicate dry eye syndrome or an infection.

Swollen eyelids – When the eyelids or the tissues around the eye get inflamed or irritated, it may lead to swollen eyes. Swelling on the eyelids can be because of trauma to the face, neck or head. It can also result from an allergic reaction to pollen, bug bites, dander or irritants and allergens in the environment.

Serious symptoms of unhealthy eyes

In addition to the common signs, certain visual symptoms of unhealthy eyes require immediate medical attention. Have a look below:

Blurred vision – When the eyes begin experiencing blurry or distorted vision suddenly, it can be a sign of a serious medical condition. Blurry vision can be potentially caused by refractive errors, eye infections or injuries and can affect central or peripheral vision. Immediate assistance from an optician should be sought to prevent partial or complete blindness, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy or other serious eye issues.

Eye floaters – Eye floaters are a condition in which little lines, specks, webs or dots seem to float in the vision, especially against a plain background or an object, like a white wall or clear computer screen. While occasional floaters are normal, a sudden increase in them can be a symptom of retinal detachment.

Double vision – Diplopia is an eye disorder in which the eyes start seeing two images of an object instead of one. Commonly known as double vision, this condition can be caused by many potential reasons, such as muscle or nerve issues, certain brain conditions and eye problems. Double vision should not be overlooked as it’s a grave sign of a brain injury or a stroke.

Tips to keep unhealthy eyes at bay

From lifestyle changes to eating habits, there are certain measures you can take to maintain healthy eyes.

1. Always wear sunglasses with 100% UVA and UVB protection while stepping out, even when it’s not sunny.

This polarised pair from the Feel Good Collection, Lana Dark Purple sunglasses, will protect you from harmful sun rays while adding glamour to your everyday look. Its oversized grey gradient lenses will provide full coverage and uninterrupted vision from the sun.

2. Eat dark leafy greens, fish and fruits that are rich in zinc, omega-3, vitamins A, C, and E, as well as other nutrients to maintain good eye health.

3. Those who wear contact lenses should always thoroughly clean and dry their hands before handling them. A proper lens cleaning routine should also be followed for two weeklies and monthlies.

4. Practice the 20-20-20 rule to reduce digital eye strain by taking a break every 20 minutes for 20 seconds and looking 20 feet away.

5. Steer clear of smoking as it can cause harm to your eye health and can even lead to serious vision loss over time.

6. As the NHS recommends, get your eyes checked once every two years. It will help detect early signs of eye conditions and generally any health issues.

Take care of your eyes by following these useful tips and to keep them healthy. Visit our Eye Care Hub for more useful tips for good ocular health.