It is important that we do not ignore certain warning signs that may indicate that we are suffering from an eye disease. If we observe any alteration on the surface of the eye or its surrounding structures, we should go to the ophthalmologist as soon as possible so that the signs and symptoms can be evaluated and a diagnosis can be established.

These warning signs and symptoms include:

·      Blurred vision.

·      Decreased visual acuity.

·      Distortion in color vision.

·      Loss of the center and periphery of vision.

·      Vision of black spots.

·      Flashing lights.

·      Halos around the lights.

·      Bulging of one or both eyes.

·      Difficulty or inability to move the eye sideways, up and down.

·      Eye pain.

·      Redness of the eyes and eyelids.

·      Double vision.

·      Loss of vision, which may or may not be accompanied by headaches.

·      Pressure inside the eye.

·      Excessive production of secretions (yellow or green) that may be accompanied by crusty eyelids.

·      Modification of the position of the eyeball.

·      Inflammation of the eyelids.

·      Stinging or itching in the eyes.

·      Increased sensitivity to bright light.

·      Swelling of the conjunctiva.

As we can see, there are several signs and symptoms that show the existence of an ocular pathology of greater or lesser magnitude, which may be just beginning or may have already been progressively established over time.

These pathologies can be treated and cured as in the case of cataracts, or irreversible as in the case of macular degeneration or glaucoma. Therefore, to avoid the progression and complication of the condition, we must go to a medical specialist.

Some of the above symptoms and signs are usually related to the following conditions:

Eye pain may be of a stabbing, throbbing or diffuse characteristic and may reach intense scales. It may be related to disorders in the cornea, which is the part of the eye located in front of the pupil.

In addition, when this transparent layer is affected, there is a possibility that other areas of the eye suffer the same, as is the case of the anterior chamber (the area between the iris and the inner part of the cornea). Likewise, when the cornea is affected, redness and increased tearing are also evident.

When pain is perceived on the surface of the eye and especially when blinking, it may be in the presence of a foreign body that has invaded that area. 

If the pain is very intense and deep accompanied by diffuse characteristic, it could be due to glaucoma, anterior uveitis, etc. And in cases where the eye pain is accompanied by bulging of the eyes with inability to move them and swelling of the eyelids, it could be an orbital cellulitis or an orbital pseudotumor.

Redness of the eyes and eyelids may be the result of an irritation or allergy or more complex causes such as viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, which also causes swelling of the eyelids, itching, yellow or green discharge and crusty eyelids. 

Other causes of redness are scratches on the cornea (corneal abrasion) caused by contact with foreign bodies or contact lenses.

The progressive loss of vision may be related to systemic diseases such as diabetes, which may lead to diabetic retinopathy. In these cases, it is necessary to treat not only the ocular pathology but also the systemic pathology since it is the one that triggers the first one. Failure to do so increases the probability of total loss of vision.

Let us remember that it will always be better to treat these conditions in their earliest stages since their complexity is less, besides, many of them can be reverted after undergoing the appropriate treatment.

Likewise, prevention is the best treatment, so it is not necessary to wait for any symptoms to manifest to go to the ophthalmologist, but try to visit it at least once a year.