What illnesses can be seen in the eyes?

What Illnesses Can Be Seen in the Eyes?

The eyes can reveal more about your overall health than you might think. During a comprehensive eye exam, optometrists can detect signs of various systemic illnesses that affect more than just your vision. Eye health is closely linked to your body's overall wellbeing, and many health conditions show early signs in the eyes before other symptoms arise.

What Illnesses Can Be Detected Through an Eye Exam?

1. Diabetes (Diabetic Retinopathy)

   • Diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, leading to a condition known as diabetic retinopathy. This is one of the most common complications of diabetes and can result in vision loss if not treated. An eye exam can reveal changes in retinal blood vessels, allowing early intervention.

2. High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

   • High blood pressure can lead to hypertensive retinopathy, where the blood vessels in the retina become damaged. During an eye exam, optometrists may notice narrowing of the blood vessels, swelling of the optic nerve, or even retinal bleeding—signs that your blood pressure may be dangerously high.

3. Cholesterol

   • High cholesterol can manifest in the eyes through the appearance of arcus senilis, a white or gray ring around the cornea. Cholesterol deposits can also block blood flow to the retina, leading to vision issues. Optometrists may detect these changes during an eye exam.

4. Autoimmune Diseases

   • Conditions like lupus and multiple sclerosis (MS) can affect the eyes by causing inflammation of the optic nerve or other parts of the eye. Optic neuritis, a condition where the optic nerve becomes inflamed, is a common sign of multiple sclerosis that optometrists can detect.

5. Thyroid Disease

   • Graves’ disease, a thyroid condition, can cause bulging eyes (exophthalmos) and inflammation of eye muscles, leading to discomfort and vision problems. An eye exam may reveal these symptoms, prompting further investigation into thyroid function.

6. Cancer

   • Rarely, eye exams can help detect tumours in the eye or surrounding areas, such as melanoma. Optometrists can also identify metastases from cancers like breast or lung cancer that have spread to the eyes.

7. Rheumatoid Arthritis

   • Rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation in the eyes, leading to conditions such as dry eyes, scleritis, and uveitis. Regular eye exams can help detect these issues early, providing an opportunity for timely treatment.

Why Regular Eye Exams Are Important

Eye exams don’t just focus on your vision—they also provide valuable insight into your overall health. Early detection of systemic conditions through your eyes can lead to faster diagnosis and treatment, helping prevent complications. Optometrists are trained to look for these signs and can refer you to the appropriate healthcare professional if necessary.

City Optics: Comprehensive Eye Exams for Whole-Body Health

At City Optics, we take a holistic approach to your eye health, offering comprehensive exams that can detect signs of systemic illnesses. If you're due for an eye exam or have concerns about your overall health, our experienced optometrists are here to help.

Ready for your eye exam? Click the Book Now button below to schedule your comprehensive eye test at City Optics today!