What your eyes reveal about your systemic health
The eyes are often called the “windows to the soul,” but they are also windows to your overall health. Many systemic diseases manifest in the eyes, sometimes even before other symptoms appear. This is why regular eye exams are crucial—not just for vision health but for detecting underlying medical conditions.
In this blog, I will discuss several diseases that can be diagnosed through an eye examination.
1. Diabetes
How It Affects the Eyes:
Diabetes can cause diabetic retinopathy, a condition where high blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in the retina. This can lead to:
- Blurred vision
- Floaters
- Vision loss if left untreated
What an Eye Exam Can Reveal:
An ophthalmologist may detect:
- Leaky or swollen blood vessels
- Hemorrhages in the retina
- Abnormal new blood vessel growth (proliferative diabetic retinopathy)
Early detection through an eye exam can help manage diabetes and prevent complications.
2. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
How It Affects the Eyes:
Chronic high blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to hypertensive retinopathy. Severe cases may result in vision loss.
What an Eye Exam Can Reveal:
- Narrowed arteries in the retina
- Swelling of the optic nerve (papilledema)
- Retinal hemorrhages
Since hypertensive changes in the eye often correlate with damage in other organs, an eye exam can be a critical early warning sign.
3. High Cholesterol
How It Affects the Eyes:
Elevated cholesterol levels can lead to plaque buildup in blood vessels, which may cause blockages in the arteries supplying the retina.
What an Eye Exam Can Reveal:
- Yellowish plaques in the blood vessels of the retina (Hollenhorst plaques)
- A blue or white ring around the cornea (arcus senilis) in younger individuals, which may indicate high cholesterol
If detected, further testing may be recommended to assess cardiovascular risk.
4. Autoimmune Diseases (Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, etc.)
How They Affect the Eyes:
Many autoimmune diseases cause inflammation that can affect the eyes, leading to conditions like:
- Uveitis (inflammation of the uvea)
- Scleritis (inflammation of the sclera)
- Optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve, common in multiple sclerosis)
What an Eye Exam Can Reveal:
- Redness and swelling inside the eye
- Optic nerve damage
- Retinal vasculitis (inflamed blood vessels in the retina)
Early detection can help prevent long-term complications and guide appropriate treatment.
5. Thyroid Disease (Graves’ Disease)
How It Affects the Eyes:
Graves’ disease, an autoimmune condition that causes hyperthyroidism, can lead to thyroid eye disease (TED), which affects the tissues around the eyes.
What an Eye Exam Can Reveal:
- Bulging eyes (proptosis)
- Eyelid retraction
- Swelling and redness around the eyes
- Double vision (due to misalignment of the eyes)
Since eye symptoms may appear before a thyroid diagnosis, an eye exam can provide an early clue.
6. Brain Tumors and Neurological Disorders
How They Affect the Eyes:
Brain tumors, strokes, and neurological conditions can affect the optic nerve and eye movement.
What an Eye Exam Can Reveal:
- Swelling of the optic nerve (papilledema)
- Unexplained vision loss
- Changes in pupil reaction
- Eye movement disorders (suggesting cranial nerve involvement)
These signs may prompt further neurological testing, such as an MRI or CT scan.
7. Liver Disease
How It Affects the Eyes:
Liver diseases, such as hepatitis or cirrhosis, can sometimes cause eye-related symptoms.
What an Eye Exam Can Reveal:
- Yellowing of the eyes (jaundice) due to elevated bilirubin levels
- Kayser-Fleischer rings (copper deposits in the cornea) in Wilson’s disease
If these signs are present, liver function tests may be necessary.
8. Cancer (Leukemia, Lymphoma, and Ocular Melanoma)
How It Affects the Eyes:
Some cancers can spread to the eye or manifest through eye-related symptoms.
What an Eye Exam Can Reveal:
- Retinal hemorrhages or white spots in leukemia
- Tumors or pigmented lesions in ocular melanoma
- Lymphoma-related inflammation inside the eye
Early detection is critical for timely treatment.
The Importance of Regular Eye Exams
Many serious diseases can be detected through a routine eye exam, sometimes before any other symptoms develop. If you notice blurred vision, floaters, eye pain, or any unusual eye symptoms, it is essential to consult an eye care professional.
Your eyes do more than help you see—they can help reveal underlying health conditions. A comprehensive eye exam is not just about vision; it’s a window into your overall health.
Schedule an Eye Exam Today
If you haven’t had an eye exam recently, consider scheduling one soon. Early detection can lead to better health outcomes!