Prevention Australia – June – July 2017

1 FLOATERS AND FLASHES

Phantom spots are normal, but new floaters –

or flashes of light or multiple black spots – can

be a sign of a torn or detached retina.

2 MOLES

Have your doctor check out freckles, moles,

or other lesions around your eyes that, like

these spots elsewhere on the body, can signal

skin cancer.

3 REDNESS OR DRYNESS

Occasional red or dry eyes are common, but if

symptoms last more than 24 hours without a

clear reason, they could signal a problem.

4 VISION CHANGES

While it’s normal to start having trouble

seeing close up in middle age, any other type

of declining vision should be checked out.

5 PUPIL CHANGES

If you notice that one or both of your pupils

have changed size or that they no longer

match in size, seek medical attention.

20 PREVENTIONAUS.COM.AU

PH

OT

OG

RAPHY I

STOCK

Many of the following changes to your eyes can be normal

• but in other cases they may indicate a problem that needs
  to be evaluated by an ophthalmologist

5 EYE SYMPTOMS

you shouldn’t ignore

FOR YOUR

EYES ONLY

Everyone should have

regular eye tests,

although the

frequency depends on

your age, health and

your inherited risk of

developing eye

problems. Generally,

optometrists will

recommend that you

have an eye test every

two years. You may

need to have your

eyes tested more

frequently if you have

a medical condition

such as:

• diabetes


• high blood pressure


• stroke


• neurological
  (brain and nerve)
  conditions

HHHealth