Typical symptoms

Lacrimation

Lacrimation is a common symptom which may have a multitude of causes with varying degrees of severity.
Bacterial, viral or allergic conjunctivitis; keratitis; episcleritis; uveitis; foreign body penetration; intolerance of contact lenses; glaucoma: may cause an increase in lacrimation accompanied by irritation, such as pain, burning, redness, vision disorders, photophobia.
Obstructions at different points of the tear duct can increase lacrimation with no such symptoms, at least in the initial phases. Treatment is very different depending on what caused the symptoms.

Hyperemia (Redness)

Hyperemia is another frequent symptom which may have different origins.
It may be caused by any type of irritative symptom: allergic, haemorrhagic.
Treatment is targeted and different depending on the underlying cause.

Dry Eye Syndrome

Dry Eye Syndrome is connected to insufficient tear production or a change in tear quality. It is caused by systemic autoimmune diseases, hormonal disorders (menopause), prolonged use of computer screens, air-conditioned environments, use of contact lenses,...

Vitreus floaters

Vitreous floaters are a common symptom linked to alterations in the vitreous humour of the eye. The patient complains of dark or semi-transparent spots that follow the movements of the eye, which are more apparent against a light-coloured background.
When vitreous eye floaters appear, a careful examination of the vitreoretinal area should be made to exclude the presence of retinal degeneration and ruptures, vitreous haemorrhage,...

Photopsia (Light flashes)

The patient complains of seeing "flashes of light" in different environmental light conditions, usually at the same point in the visual field.
This symptom is very frequently linked to a non-physiological vitreoretinal traction.

If this symptom appears, it should be investigated immediately.
It is a good idea for the patient to book an eye examination quite promptly.

Cefalea

Headaches are a common symptom which may have many causes of varying degrees of severity.
Undiagnosed refractive disorders ( myopia, hypermetropia, astigmatism, anisometropia) and alterations in ocular motility are frequently at the basis of this annoying symptom.
In some cases they may be associated with different types of problems: neurological, otolaryngic, dental or cervical pain, prolonged use of the computer, stress.
It is essential to recognise and treat the ocular anomaly causing the headache.