By:  Mark A. Sibley, M.D., F.A.C.S.

The eyes can give signs of warning that indicate it's time to have them examined by a specialist. Some of the eyes' danger signs are included in the following:

1. Sudden loss of vision.

2. Seeing flashes of light, floating spots or halos around lights.

3. Double vision.

4. A permanent or temporary loss of any part of the field of vision.

5. Swelling of the lids or inflammation of the eye.

6. Pain in and around the eyes.

7. An appearance of crossed eyes, red-rimmed, encrusted or swollen eyelids, inflamed or watery eyes, or recurring sties.

8. Children, too, may have eye problems indicated by complaints of eyes that itch, burn, or feel scratchy; eyes that cannot see well; dizziness, headaches, or nausea following close work; or blurred or double vision.

Children sometimes are showing signs of eye trouble when they rub their eyes excessively, shut or cover one eye, or tilt or thrust their head forward to read. They may have sight problems if they have difficulty reading or doing work requiring close use of the eyes; if they blink more than usual or are irritable when doing close work; if they are unable to see distant things clearly; or if they squint or frown to see.

A child who stumbles over small objects may be having trouble seeing.

A reminder...

January is National Eye Care month, and the American Academy of Ophthalmology and all 50 state ophthalmology societies are sponsoring a National Eye Care Project.

This project is designed to give persons 65 years old or older who might not be able to afford medical eye care access to eye examinations and treatment.

If you or someone you know needs medical eye care and is eligible, please call 1-800-222-EYES (the toll-free help line operated by the National Eye Care Project). Eligible callers will receive a referral to a nearby ophthalmologist who has volunteered to provide care.

Eyeglasses are not covered by this program, and this is not a second opinion program for those who already have an ophthalmologist.

Dr. Mark Sibley

Dr. Mark Sibley, M.D., F.A.C.S., is a Board Certified Ophthalmologist and laser specialist who practices locally. He is medical advisor to the Society to Prevent Blindness and to the American Diabetes Association, and is team ophthalmologist for the Devil Rays.

Make YOUR eyes smile again ...