Signs and Symptoms of Eye Problems

Symptoms of eye problems occur differently in adults and children.

Regular eye exams are important to maintain proper eye health, given that some serious eye problems may produce no eye symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of eye problems in adults

Any of the following signs or symptoms may indicate a serious eye problem in adults:

• Sudden vision loss
• Pain in or around the eyes
• Redness accompanied by pain in the eye
• Appearance of halos around lights
• New floaters (spots, strings, cobwebs or shadows before the eyes)
• Bulging of the eye or swelling of eye tissues
• Flashes or streaks of light
• Double vision
• Crossed, turned or wandering eye
• Discharge, crusting or excessive tearing
• Eyelids stuck together, especially after waking
• Sudden blurring of vision that persists

If any of these eye symptoms occur, you should consult an ophthalmologist for a complete eye exam and treatment.

Signs and symptoms of eye problems in young children

To screen for eye problems in young children, an eye exam is advised at birth, six months and again at ages
3 and 5.

Any of the following signs or symptoms of eye problems may indicate a serious eye condition. If your child experiences any of the following eye symptoms, you should consult a pediatric ophthalmologist for a complete eye exam and treatment:

• Discharge from the eyes
• Droopy eyelids
• A white pupil in either or both eyes
• Eyes that wander
• Eyes that tear or look wet, when not crying
• Swelling or lumps in or around the eyes or eyelids
• Child not looking at parents by 2-3 months of age
• Eyes that do not appear to look in the same direction
• Differences in the size, shape or color of the eyes or eyelids
• Redness of the eye

At Henry Ford, patients come first.

The Henry Ford Department of Ophthalmology is committed to providing our patients with compassionate, personalized care. We feature the most advanced treatments in eye care and are dedicated to vision research – always staying at the forefront of innovation. A leader in Michigan, as well as one of the largest ophthalmology practices in the United States, we treat more than 55,000 patients per year at 12 locations throughout southeast Michigan. In addition, our team works closely with Henry Ford Medical Group physicians in other departments, providing multidisciplinary, coordinated care for those patients who need it.