Eye Symptom Checker

    Search for your eye symptom to learn about possible causes and understand when to seek professional care.

    Important Medical Disclaimer

    This symptom checker is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your ophthalmologist or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your eye health.

    Medical Emergency

    If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. Do not wait for an appointment.

    Emergency symptoms include: sudden vision loss, severe eye pain, eye injury, sudden onset of flashes and floaters, or symptoms accompanied by severe headache, weakness, or difficulty speaking.

    Search Your Symptoms

    Describe what you're experiencing to find possible causes. Not quite sure how to describe your symptoms? Check below for some help.

    Start typing to search for symptoms

    We have information on 28 common eye symptoms

    Blurry Vision

    Blurry vision means you cannot see fine details clearly. Objects may appear hazy or out of focus.

    Common causes: Refractive Error (Nearsightedness, Farsightedness, Astigmatism), Cataracts +3 more

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    Double Vision (Diplopia)

    Seeing two images of a single object. The images may be side-by-side, on top of each other, or both.

    Common causes: Eye Muscle Problems, Nerve Problems +2 more

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    Floaters

    Small dark shapes that float across your vision. They may look like spots, threads, squiggly lines, or cobwebs.

    Common causes: Age-Related Changes, Posterior Vitreous Detachment +1 more

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    Flashes of Light

    Brief streaks or arcs of light in your vision. May look like lightning bolts or camera flashes.

    Common causes: Posterior Vitreous Detachment, Retinal Tear or Detachment +1 more

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    Halos Around Lights

    Bright circles or rings that appear around light sources, especially at night.

    Common causes: Cataracts, Glaucoma +2 more

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    Blind Spots

    Areas in your vision where you cannot see. May appear as dark patches or areas where vision is missing.

    Common causes: Migraine, Glaucoma +2 more

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    Vision Loss

    Partial or complete loss of vision in one or both eyes. May be sudden or gradual.

    Common causes: Retinal Detachment, Stroke or TIA +2 more

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    Night Vision Problems

    Difficulty seeing in dim light or at night. May have trouble adjusting when going from bright to dark areas.

    Common causes: Cataracts, Vitamin A Deficiency +1 more

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    Eye Pain

    Pain or discomfort in or around the eye. May be sharp, dull, aching, or burning.

    Common causes: Corneal Abrasion, Dry Eyes +2 more

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    Light Sensitivity (Photophobia)

    Discomfort or pain when exposed to light. You may squint or want to close your eyes in normal lighting.

    Common causes: Migraine, Corneal Abrasion or Infection +2 more

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    Eye Strain

    Tired, aching, or burning feeling in your eyes. Often occurs after prolonged visual tasks.

    Common causes: Digital Eye Strain, Uncorrected Vision Problems +2 more

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    Headache with Eye Involvement

    Headache that seems to originate from or around the eyes.

    Common causes: Eye Strain, Uncorrected Vision Problems +2 more

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    Red or Bloodshot Eyes

    The white part of your eye appears pink or red. May affect one or both eyes.

    Common causes: Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye), Dry Eyes +3 more

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    Swollen Eyelids

    Eyelids appear puffy or swollen. May affect upper lid, lower lid, or both.

    Common causes: Allergies, Stye or Chalazion +2 more

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    Eye Discharge

    Fluid draining from the eye. May be clear, white, yellow, or green. Eyes may be stuck shut in the morning.

    Common causes: Bacterial Conjunctivitis, Viral Conjunctivitis +2 more

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    Drooping Eyelid (Ptosis)

    Upper eyelid droops lower than normal, possibly covering part of the pupil.

    Common causes: Age-Related Changes, Nerve or Muscle Problems +2 more

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    Bulging Eyes

    Eyes appear to protrude or stick out more than normal.

    Common causes: Thyroid Eye Disease, Orbital Tumor +1 more

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    Eye Twitching

    Involuntary spasm or twitching of the eyelid. Usually affects the lower lid.

    Common causes: Stress and Fatigue, Caffeine or Alcohol +2 more

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    Crossed Eyes (Strabismus)

    Eyes don't point in the same direction. One eye may turn in, out, up, or down.

    Common causes: Childhood Strabismus, Nerve or Muscle Problems +1 more

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    Dry Eyes

    Eyes feel dry, gritty, scratchy, or burning. Ironically, may also cause watery eyes.

    Common causes: Age-Related Changes, Environmental Factors +3 more

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    Watery Eyes (Excessive Tearing)

    Eyes produce too many tears, causing them to overflow onto the face.

    Common causes: Dry Eyes, Blocked Tear Duct +2 more

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    Itchy Eyes

    Uncomfortable itching sensation in or around the eyes. May have urge to rub eyes.

    Common causes: Allergies, Dry Eyes +2 more

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    Burning Eyes

    Burning, stinging, or hot sensation in the eyes.

    Common causes: Dry Eyes, Blepharitis +2 more

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    Foreign Body Sensation

    Feeling like there's something in your eye, such as sand, grit, or an eyelash.

    Common causes: Actual Foreign Body, Corneal Abrasion +2 more

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    Color Vision Changes

    Difficulty distinguishing between certain colors or colors appearing faded or different than usual.

    Common causes: Inherited Color Deficiency, Cataracts +2 more

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    Distorted or Wavy Vision

    Straight lines appear wavy, bent, or distorted. Objects may look the wrong size or shape.

    Common causes: Macular Degeneration, Macular Edema +1 more

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    Tunnel Vision

    Loss of side (peripheral) vision, as if looking through a tunnel. Central vision may remain clear.

    Common causes: Glaucoma, Retinitis Pigmentosa +1 more

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    Eyes Not Aligned

    Eyes don't appear to be pointing in the same direction or working together properly.

    Common causes: Strabismus, Nerve or Muscle Damage +1 more

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    Concerned About Your Symptoms?

    Our experienced ophthalmologists are here to provide expert diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.

    Symptom information sourced from the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO)

    Medical Disclaimer

    This symptom checker provides general information about eye symptoms and possible causes. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of information you found using this tool. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.