Because it progresses without obvious symptoms, many people discover it when irreversible damage has already occurred. Fortunately, an eye exam can detect it early.
6.Black spots or flashing lights.
Those little spots or dots that seem to move when you try to focus on them are called myodesopsias, and they are usually harmless when they appear a little at a time. BUT… if you suddenly see many more than usual, or if they are accompanied by flashes of lightning, they may be a sign of something serious: retinal detachment.
This is an urgent problem: the retina (which is like the screen where we “see” images) detaches from its place, and if it is not treated immediately, you can lose vision in that eye. So if you’d better see an ophthalmologist.
7.Bulging eyes (exophthalmia).
Do your eyes seem more bulging or prominent than normal, as if you are always being surprised? This appearance may be a classic symptom of Graves’ disease, a type of autoimmune hyperthyroidism. In this disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the tissues behind the eye, pushing them outward.
In addition to the physical change, you may experience eye pressure, double vision, dry eyes, or difficulty closing your eyes completely while sleeping. It’s not just a cosmetic problem: If left untreated, it can seriously affect your vision. This condition is more common in women between the ages of 30 and 50, and is often accompanied by weight loss, nervousness, and insomnia.
8. Iris color changes or brown rings.
If you look in the mirror and notice a brown, greenish, or golden ring around your iris, you may have what is called a Kayser-Fleischer ring, a visible sign of Wilson’s disease. This is a genetic disorder in which the body accumulates excess copper, affecting organs such as the liver, brain, and eyes.
Although rare, it can cause severe neurological damage if not caught early. This ring appears on the cornea and does not affect vision, but is a valuable clue for doctors to detect the disorder. If you experience symptoms such as tremors, slurred speech, or involuntary movements along with this ring, seek medical attention immediately.
