Our eyes are delicate things; as one of our most important organs, when we notice changes in our eyesight, it can be worrying.
Although many symptoms might be harmless and nothing to panic about, there are times when it’s best to seek help.
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Plus, it’s not just our eyes that we should keep tabs on. Our eyebrows can also offer an insight into our health.
These experts share their thoughts on what’s going on with your eyes and eyebrows…
Floaters in your eyes
Small, shadowy spots in your field of vision are known as floaters.
According to Zain Nathu, Boots Optician and Clinical Governance Optometrist, floaters are very common and can range in size and shape, from small dots, to cobwebs or larger squiggly lines.
He says: “As we get older, the jelly-like substance at the back of the eye called the vitreous humour becomes more watery and pulls away from the wall at the back of the eye causing cells and fibres in the jelly, such as collagen, to become more visible.
“The reflection of these fibres is what we experience as floaters.”
Although they can be completely harmless, Zain says they can be an indicator of conditions needing urgent further investigation.
He says: “For example, larger teardrop, or ring type floaters may be an indication of posterior vitreous detachment; a loosening of the vitreous humour from the retina.
“A rain shower of many small specks may be an indication of retinal tear or detachment.
“If anyone notes an increase in the number of floaters they experience it would be advisable to book in for an eye test with their optician without delay.”
If you’re diabetic, high blood sugar levels can damage the back of the eye, leading to diabetic retinopathy.
Symptoms can take a while to show, however in the long term, it can affect vision.
Floaters are among the symptoms which require you to seek urgent help. To catch diabetic retinopathy early, you should be invited to eye screenings every two years.
Thinning brows
If your once thick brows seem to be looking a little sparse, it could be a sign of an underlying issue.
Fides Baldesberger, hair removal expert and founder of Rubis Tweezers, says: “Thinning eyebrows might indicate a hormonal imbalance such as thyroid dysfunction as this can lead to hair loss, including the eyebrows.
“Nutrient deficiencies, particularly in iron, biotin, and vitamins, can also result in thinner brows.”
Foods rich in iron include red meat, beans and dried fruit, whilst foods that contain biotin include egg yolks, salmon and sweet potato. A supplement can also help to safeguard your intake of these nutrients.
Fides adds: “Additionally, chronic stress and ageing are common culprits of thinning brows.”
Flickering eyelids
Although they can be annoying, the small spasms that occur in the muscles in and around your eyelids are common and harmless, according to Zain.
He says: “This usually occurs in times of stress or overtiredness, however for some people it can be due to consuming too much caffeine.
“This flickering can come and go but will usually pass on its own over a few days or weeks.
“Trying to find ways to destress can be helpful as can monitoring caffeine intake.”
If the flickering is persistent however, book in for an eye test with your optician.
Flaky skin around the eyebrows
Flecks of dry skin in the eyebrows?
Fides says: “Flakiness around the eyebrows can be a tell-tale sign of seborrheic dermatitis, a condition linked to an overactive sebaceous gland and yeast growth on the skin.”
Although there isn’t a cure, you can control your symptoms by keeping the area clean, avoiding scenting soaps and creams.
Opt for an emollient (moisturising) soap instead – your pharmacist will be able to offer advice.
Fide says: “Flaky skin around the eyebrows can also indicate dry skin, often exacerbated by weather changes, an allergy to harsh skincare products, or even nutritional deficiencies.”
Your eyelids are sticking together
Feel like your eyelids are glued together? Or they’re uncomfortable and not opening as smoothly as they should?
Zain says: “Sticky eyelids can indicate several conditions from dry eyes to bacterial infections.
“Dry eyes generally present as uncomfortable, scratchy eyes which can be difficult to open in the morning.
“This can be related to a condition called blepharitis which involves an issue with the way our eyelids produce oil. Treatments include lubricating eye drops, heat masks, and lid cleaning wipes.”
Zain adds that bacterial infections on the other hand will involve red eyes with a yellow mucous discharge around the eyelids and eyelashes causing the eyelids to stick together.
“This may require antibiotic drops from the pharmacy. If in doubt, speak to your pharmacist or book in for an eye test with your optician.”
White spots on the edge of the cornea
If you can see little, raised, whitish-yellow spots on the edge of your cornea and conjunctiva, these are known as pinguecula or pterygium.
Zain explains: “Both are harmless deposits due to damage from UV light from the sun.
“These are more common in people who spend, or have spent, a lot of time outdoors, especially in hot countries.”
These spots can also be more apparent after spending time in dry, dusty environments.
Zain says: “Pinguecula are unlikely to change much in size or shape over time and would not require any treatment.
“Pterygium can, in some cases, grow onto the cornea and would need to be removed.
“If you have noticed a sudden change in the appearance of your eyes it would be important to book in for an eye test with your optician.”
To prevent these spots, be sure to protect your eyes from the sun by wearing sunglasses with 100% UV protection on a bright day, all year round.
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Blurry vision
When your eyesight isn’t quite as clear as it once was, then you might start to panic.
However, you might simply need vision correction, according to Zain, such as glasses or contact lenses.
Blurry vision can also be caused by eye conditions requiring treatment, such as cataract or macular degeneration.
Zain says: “It can be quite difficult to know when one should be concerned about blurry vision, however a comprehensive eye test with your optician should be able to get down to the bottom of the cause.”
If your changes in vision are drastic or have come on suddenly, then you should book an eye test as a matter of urgency.
What might blurry vision indicate?
Blurry vision is usually because someone has lost part of their eyesight.
It may also be a symptom of cataracts, glaucoma or dry eye syndrome – all of which should not be ignored.
But some of the more sinister causes of blurry vision include a stroke.
High blood pressure, diabetes and multiple sclerosis can cause visiual disturbances, too, and need to be treated individually.
Bloodshot eyes
There are a number of reasons why your eyes may be red and bloodshot, from dryness, allergies and burst blood vessels.
Conjunctivitis, dust or an ingrowing eyelash can cause the eyes to redden.
Your optician will be able to help diagnose the cause of your bloodshot eyes.
Zain adds: “Symptoms indicating more serious conditions which may need urgent intervention include pain, decrease in vision, and sensitivity to light.”
Spots around the temple and brow line
If you’re noticing spots in this area around your time of the month, then it’s likely these are hormonal.
However, Fides adds: “This area is also prone to acne mechanica, which is acne caused by friction or pressure, such as from wearing hats or resting your face in your hands.
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“Additionally, hair care products can sometimes clog pores, leading to spots.”
Avoid touching your face and keep hair and clothing away from your skin. Plus, be sure to clean your face to ensure that there are no products lingering in your pores.
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How often do I need an eye test?
Opticians say that everybody should have regular eye tests – regardless if they wear glasses or not.
The NHS recommends you should visit your local optician once every two years to have your eyes tested.
This is because the tests can pick up on many different health conditions before they show symptoms.
But if you have pain in your eyes or your vision isn’t what it should be, you should make an appointment with your optician straight away.
Having your eyes tested means that an optician can tell whether you need to wear glasses or contact lenses to improve your vision.
They also check the overall health of the eye and can detect conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma and macular degeneration.
But an eye test can also help diagnose other health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure and brain tumours.
Price
For people living in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, most will have to pay for an eye test at their local opticians.
The price of a test varies but can cost anything from £10 to £30.
In Scotland though, all eye tests at NHS opticians are free.
There are people with certain conditions who are entitled to a free NHS eye test in England and Wales.
These include:
- Children under 15
- Children who are 16, 17 or 18 and are in full-time education
- Those who are over 60
- People who are blind or partially sighted
- Patients who have been diagnosed with diabetes or glaucoma
- People aged over 40 who have a family history of glaucoma
- People who receive certain benefits including income support, income based jobseeker’s allowance and pension credit.