What Are Your Eyes Telling You About Your Health?
The windows to the soul and the beholders of beauty, your eyes can also provide a quick glimpse into your overall health. By examining the eyes, serious health problems can sometimes be detected. The list of ailments that can manifest in the eyes includes aneurysms, cancer, diabetes, hereditary diseases, cardiovascular disease and even diabetes. Here are some common eye problems that you may have experienced, and what they really mean.
Halos – If you are seeing a glare, or a halo, around objects, then you might really be seeing an early warning sign of diabetes. The high blood sugar levels are dangerous to the blood vessels and nerves of the ocular system. Taking a while to see normally when going from light environments into dark environments is another warning sign of diabetes.
Bulging eyes – For some people, bulging eyes are nothing more than a genetic trait, but for others they indicate a serious problem. Thyroid disease can manifest as bulging eyes as the abnormal hormone levels cause tissue around the eye to swell. If you have no family history of bulging eyes, you might want to get your eyes checked.
Drooping Eyelids – Drooping eyelids is a naturally occurring part of aging, and surgery can correct this condition if it is impeding your vision. However, it could also be a symptom of a brain tumor or myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disease otherwise known as MG. As the disease weakens muscles throughout the body, the eyelids may begin to droop.
Dots and Spots – If those dots in your vision remain even after cleaning your glasses, it is time for a visit to the doctor. An inflammatory disease can be the culprit, and the condition will not get better on its own. More information on this condition can be found at – emedicine.medscape.com/article/1227778-overview.
Double vision – It’s normal for eyes to take a little while to focus once in a while. But if you are constantly feeling like you’re seeing two of everything, a visit to the eye doctor is definitely in order. The problem could be poor eye alignment, cataracts, nerve damage or even Graves disease.
Dry eyes – Dry eyes are annoying, but they can also be a symptom of rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome, or ocular rosacea. While you might need nothing more than drops, it’s still a good idea to have them checked.
Yellow eyes – Just as infants with yellow eyes are dealing with liver problems, the same goes for adults. When the whites of the eyes turn yellow, professional help should be sought out. It could indicate a problem with the liver, including hepatitis or cirrhosis.
Styes – In general, a stye is nothing more than an infected hair follicle that lies on, inside, or under the eyelid. They will usually go away on their own. However, if they don’t go away, or if you get them on a regular basis, it’s a good idea to visit the doctor. Underlying problems could include staph infections, diabetes, or simply unusually high stress levels.
Bloodshot eyes – Bloody eyes could indicate a more serious problem than heavy partying. There are tiny blood vessels running through the outer layer, or conjunctiva. If these vessels burst, blood can pool in the sclera, the white of the eye. Referred to as a subconjunctival hemorrhage, it can be caused by a severe blow or it could just be something that happens for no apparent reason. It can indicate blood pressure that is dangerously high, or a clotting disorder.
Whatever your vision problem, it’s important to be proactive and get it checked. Do not delay, hoping that the problem will go away on its own. Responding quickly just might help you find and treat a serious condition.
