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You have probably heard the phrase “the eyes are the window to the soul.” This phrase refers to the suggestion that an individual’s eyes reveal their thoughts and true emotions.
While this may or may not be true, your eyes can provide a picture of your blood vessels, connective tissue, and nerves in the body. In fact, your eyes can reveal a lot about your overall health. Keep reading to learn more about the types of medical conditions that eye exams may help diagnose. |
Diabetic complications
Vision complications due to diabetes include diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy may develop due to continued high blood sugar levels, which damage the retina. It can cause the blood vessels in the retina to leak or swell. It may also cause new abnormal blood vessels to form. These changes to the retina can lead to vision loss. Your eyecare specialist can diagnose diabetic retinopathy through a comprehensive eye exam.
High cholesterol
High cholesterol is one of the most common conditions affecting adults in the United States. According to the American Heart Association, having high cholesterol may increase your risk of a heart attack and stroke. During an eye exam, your eye doctor may identify a blue or yellow ring around your cornea. This can be a sign of high cholesterol, and cholesterol deposits may also appear in the blood vessels of the retina.
Thyroid disease
Thyroid disease may include hyperthyroidism, which develops when the thyroid is overactive. Symptoms can include irregular heartbeat, weight loss, and anxiety. Visual symptoms may also develop, including blurry vision and dry eyes. During an eye exam, your eye doctor may identify retracting eyelids and protruding eyeballs, which are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
A brain tumor
A tumor can originate in the brain, or it can spread to the brain from another area of the body. Symptoms of a brain tumor can include headaches, balance issues, and cognitive changes. Visual symptoms such as double vision, decreased side vision, and changes in pupil size may also develop. During a comprehensive eye exam, your eye specialist may detect swelling in the back of the eye. This occurs due to increased pressure in the brain.
Lyme disease
Lyme disease is a condition that may develop from a bite from an infected tick. It leads to widespread inflammation throughout the body, causing a range of symptoms, including fatigue, muscle aches, and headache. A comprehensive eye exam may reveal inflammation of the optic nerve, and patients may also experience eye floaters.
Multiple sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a degenerative disease that affects the nervous system. It can also cause inflammation in the optic nerve, which can be identified through an eye exam. Visual symptoms such as blurred vision are often one of the first symptoms of multiple sclerosis.
Myasthenia gravis
Myasthenia gravis is a type of autoimmune disease that causes fatigue and muscle weakness. In many cases, the first symptoms develop in the eyes, including double vision. During an eye exam, your eye doctor may notice drooping eyelids.
Remember, along with regular physicals, getting a comprehensive eye exam can not only protect your vision but may also help provide clues to your overall health.
If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.
