Most of us know it: the eyes itch, burn or water, or the eyelids are swollen. Many different reasons can lie behind eye problems like these, and you cannot tell them apart from the outside. Here you will find out when not to wait, when an appointment with an eye doctor makes sense and how to prepare for it.
Key points at a glance
- With sudden loss of vision, flashes of light, shadows, double vision, severe pain or after an injury, go to an eye doctor, an eye hospital or A&E straight away.
- If itching, burning, watery eyes or swelling last or keep coming back, book an appointment with an eye doctor.
- Only an examination can find the cause. Do not try drops, ointments or home remedies on your own.
- If seeing has become harder, an eye test with an optician or eye doctor can help.
Eye problems where you should not wait
These signs are a reason to get medical help straight away, outside surgery hours at an eye hospital or in A&E:
- You suddenly see much worse, or nothing at all with one eye.
- You see flashes of light, a shadow or curtain in your field of view, or newly appearing black spots, threads or streaks.
- You see double.
- You have severe pain in or around the eye.
- A foreign body, an injury or chemicals have got into the eye. With chemicals, rinse the eye straight away with plenty of clean water and get medical help.
- You see worse or have symptoms after looking at the sun, for example during an eclipse.
If in doubt, it is better to ask once too often than once too late.
When an appointment with an eye doctor makes sense
Even when it is not urgent, have symptoms checked if they do not go away on their own or keep coming back. This applies, for example, to:
- itching or burning eyes that persist
- watery eyes or the feeling that something is in the eye
- swollen eyes or eyelids, including swollen eyes in the morning, that do not go down or keep returning
- red, sticky or crusted eyes
- a lump or a sore spot on the eyelid
- sensitivity to light or a feeling of dryness that stays
The same symptoms can have different causes. That is why this article names none: whether an allergy, irritation, inflammation or something else is behind them, only an eye doctor can tell. If you have conditions such as diabetes or high blood pressure, regular eye check-ups are part of your care. Tell your eye doctor about your conditions.
Trouble seeing: an eye test with an optician or eye doctor
If reading, screen work or driving has become harder, or you have trouble seeing, an eye test can bring clarity. An optician measures your vision, and an eye doctor also examines the health of your eyes.
With contact lenses: take them out and have it checked
If you have redness, pain, sensitivity to light or blurred vision with contact lenses, take them out and do not simply put them back in. Have it checked by an eye doctor. How to handle lenses hygienically is covered in Contact Lenses: Types, Fitting and Care.
How to prepare for your appointment
The more precisely you can describe what you notice, the better. This helps:
- Note down when the symptoms began, whether one eye or both are affected and when they are worse.
- Bring your glasses, your prescription and, if you wear them, your contact lenses. Ask the practice whether to take the lenses out beforehand.
- Write down which medication you take and which conditions are known.
Got a prescription? How to get your glasses
If the eye test or examination shows that you need glasses, you can also order them online with your prescription: you choose a frame and order it with lenses in your prescription.
Miu Miu MU 01XV VAU1O1£134.26
Miu Miu MU 09XV VAU1O1£134.26
Miu Miu MU 04UV 1AB1O1£134.26
Miu Miu MU 01XV 19P1O1£134.26
Ray-Ban RX3928V 2500£86.73
Ray-Ban RX3928V 2501£86.73
Miu Miu MU 09XV 16K1O1£135.10
Ray-Ban ALAIN (RX7239 2001)£60.16Frequently asked questions about eye problems
Which doctor should I see for eye problems?
An eye doctor (ophthalmologist). Outside surgery hours, an eye hospital or A&E is the right place. For children you can also ask your GP.
Can an optician diagnose eye problems?
No. An optician measures your vision and advises on glasses. If something stands out, they will refer you to an eye doctor.
What should I do about swollen eyes?
Do not rub them, and see whether the swelling goes down on its own. If it comes back, stays, or comes with redness, pain or changes in your vision, have it checked by an eye doctor.
This article does not replace medical advice.
