So, when should you contact your doctor about an eye problem?

Here's a handy checklist to consult whenever you sense something about your eyes is just not right - whether it involves one or both eyes:

* Sudden change in vision

* Loss of visual field (grey or black curtain)

* Eye pain

* Progressive redness or copious discharge (especially in contact lens wearers)

* Severe or persistent headache

* Accidental eye exposure to toxic substances (chemical splash)

* Any discomfort following surgery that remains after taking the prescribed pain medication

* Eye or orbital trauma - even if the eye looks okay

* Intense light sensitivity

* Swelling or tenderness of the eyelids and periorbital skin

* Sudden, persistent double vision

* Facial shingles (herpes zoster)

* Nonreactive pupil

* New onset droopy eyelid

This list is not all-inclusive, but the above situations warrant prompt referral to an experienced eye doctor. If you are smart you already have an eye doctor you trust. Otherwise, you may need a referral from your primary care provider or seek care at a nearby emergency room that has ophthalmology coverage.



By Bill Lloyd, MD
Read more about this on his blog| eye on vision