It’s all in the eyes! We’ve heard that phrase numerous times. But what does that really mean? Are there really secrets that your eyes can reveal about your health? Yes. It’s true.

Scheduling an annual visit with your eye doctor is important for more than just your vision. In fact, even if you aren’t having vision problems, you should still make a yearly appointment. Here are 10 health issues your eyes reveal about you…

Nutritional Deficiency

If you are not eating properly or consuming the right balance of foods (e.g., extremely picky eaters or people on highly restrictive diets), it may show up in your eyes. People who are lacking in certain vitamins and nutrients will experience dry eyes, irritated eyes, and blurry vision.

Cataracts

Has the color of your eyes changed recently? Do they look a little faded? Changes in eye color can be one of the early signs of cataracts and other health issues.

Allergies

Seasonal or other allergies can cause your eyes to be itchy, watery, red, or puffy. Your eye doctor can prescribe eye drops that will alleviate your symptoms during particularly sensitive times.

Abnormal Liver Function
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Babies born with jaundice show a telltale symptom: the whites of their eyes appear markedly yellow. However, adults whose livers are not functioning properly can also display yellow eyes. This is an immediate cause for concern. If the whites of your eyes appear yellow, you should see a doctor right away.

Autoimmune Disease

Dry eyes and a dry mouth can be the sign of an autoimmune disease called Sjögren’s syndrome. Disease-causing microbes attack otherwise healthy cells, which damages the glands that produce saliva and tears.

Dementia

The condition of your eyes can also predict the early onset of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. When the amyloid protein builds up in the brain, it causes a change in your retinas. We can detect this change with a special test called SD-OCT.

Emotional Stress

Central Serous Retinopathy, or eye blisters, occurs mostly in men, but can also occur in women. This health issue is largely due to intense stress. If you have trouble focusing, you may have eye blisters. See your optometrist right away.

Depression and Anxiety

Those who are clinically depressed or have chronic anxiety may also experience a loss of vision. Sometimes attending to a vision issue can make a difference in depression and anxiety.

Diabetes

People suffering with both type 1 and type 2 Diabetes typically experience serious vision problems and even blindness. If you have Diabetes, it’s essential that you receive regular eye checkups to monitor the disease’s progression and detect leaky blood vessels.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a silent killer and can produce early signs in the eyes, which are easily detectable in a routine eye exam. Potentially life-saving treatment can be prescribed to reduce your blood pressure.

Computer Vision Syndrome

Do you spend a lot of time using a computer or phone? Incidences of Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) are growing. If you are experiencing difficulty focusing, headaches, or dry eyes, you’ll need to see your eye doctor. You may also need to make a few changes to your viewing habits.

Blepharospasm

Blepharospasm can be tricky because its symptoms are subtle. This disease is usually indicated by involuntary blinking of the eyes, eye irritation, or eyelid spasms. You may also experience fatigue or tension. If any of this sounds familiar, visit your eye doctor soon.

Stroke

A dilated eye exam will reveal the health of your blood vessels in and around the eye. If you are at risk of stroke or carotid artery disease, your eye doctor can detect it early so you can seek proper treatment.

Cancer

When we think of skin cancer, we think of moles and other signs that appear on our bodies. However, your eyes and your eyelids can also become sunburned. Your eye doctor can check for signs of sun damage during a routine eye exam. Other alarming signs include a growing dark spot, flashing lights or blurred vision. Also, those who have green or blue eyes have a greater risk of some types of ocular cancer.

If you have any questions about your vision or your eyes, call us at any time. We are always available to help you.
Are you experiencing strange vision symptoms?

Call Dr. Fruchtman TODAY for your next eye exam.