If you notice any of the following changes in your eyesight or the appearance of your eyes, it is important to have these checked out by an eye doctor:

• Unusual trouble adjusting to dark rooms;
• Difficulty focusing on near or distant objects;
• Squinting or blinking due to unusual sensitivity to light or glare;
• Change in color of iris;
• Red-rimmed, encrusted or swollen lids;
• Recurrent pain in or around eyes;
• Double vision;
• Dark spot at the center of viewing;
• Lines and edges appear distorted or wavy;
• Excess tearing or “watery eyes”;
• Dry eyes with itching or burning; and
• Seeing spots, ghost-like images.

The following may indicate a possible serious eye problem that may require emergency medical attention:

• Sudden loss of vision of one eye;
• Sudden hazy or blurred vision;
• Flashes of light or black spots;
• Halos or rainbows around light;
• Curtain-like blotting out of vision; and
• Loss of peripheral (side) vision.

It is important to have regular eye examinations, even if you do not have signs of any problems according to Prevent Blindness America. Regularly eye exam are especially important for individuals who have chronic health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes. Early detection and treatment of an eye problem can be key to preventing loss of vision.

Source: Prevent Blindness America, http://www.preventblindness.org/eye_problems/signsadults.html.