Eyes can reveal underlying health issues from heart disease to diabetes… so get them tested
We reveal common eye symptoms and what they say about your overall health
DON’T put off getting your eyes tested – it’s not just your sight that could suffer.
Specsavers optometrist and spokesman Dr Nigel Best says: “The eyes reveal an awful lot about someone’s health and can often indicate serious underlying health issues, which can be a life-saver.”
Here, Dr Best reveals some common eye symptoms and what they could mean.
Bulging eyes
Usually we can’t see the white part of the eye below and above our eyeballs. But sometimes people’s eyes can develop a bulging appearance.
Dr Best says: “It can indicate an overactive thyroid. If I asked a patient to stare at me and the eyelids didn’t cover the white part visible above and below the iris I’d be concerned.”
Grey rings
Also known as arcus senilis, it can be a sign of high cholesterol – which can also indicate cardiovascular disease.
Dr Best says: “This is commonly seen in the elderly. If I saw this in the eyes of a younger person. I’d refer them to their GP for blood tests, as it can indicate high cholesterol.”
Twisty blood vessels
Blood vessels that kink and twist can be a sign of high blood pressure and are found when the veins of the eyes are examined.
Dr Best says: “With this symptom we’re looking for nipping of the vessels caused by an artery pressing down on the vein. Vessels which start to narrow can be a sign of hypertension and diabetes.”
Inflamed eyes
A red and painful iris, the coloured part of the eye, can often be caused by an infection or health condition in another part of the body, including arthritis, tonsilitis, tuberculosis and syphilis. It can also be accompanied by blurred vision.
Dr Best says: “This is known as iritus and is seen in people whose bodies have an overenthusiastic inflammation response.
“Recurrent iritus can result in glaucoma, a build-up of pressure inside the eye which can lead to loss of vision.”
Related Stories
Swollen optic nerve
The most common occular sign indicating a brain tumour is called papilloedema which is swelling of the optic nerve, caused by a build-up of pressure in the brain.
Dr Best says: “Patients may also see blind spots in their peripheral vision, have severe headaches, vomiting, bowel problems, or sometimes they can feel quite well and are unaware of any problems.”
Double vision
Seeing two of an object can be a sign someone has had a stroke or a mini-stroke, known as a transient ischaemic attack (TIA).
Dr Best says: “Anyone complaining of seeing double, all the time or just intermittently, must seek medical advice.”