Your eyes are the window to your health
Did you know that ophthalmologists can potentially identify early indications of heart disease by examining the retina using an imaging technique? It’s called optical coherence tomography and this tool can reveal tiny residual traces of eye strokes.
The eyes, often referred to as “the windows to the soul”, hold more secrets than we might imagine. Beyond their role in granting us sight, our eyes can provide valuable insight into our overall health. Let’s learn how our eyes can reveal not only vision issues, but also serve as early indicators of broader health concerns, ranging from potential diseases to neurological conditions.
Yellow eyes
Yellowing of the eyes, also known as jaundice, is often a sign of an underlying health issue. It’s typically caused by too much bilirubin in the bloodstream. Jaundice is commonly linked to liver disorders, such as hepatitis, cirrhosis or liver cancer. When the liver is unable to effectively process bilirubin, it can accumulate in the body and cause that tell-tale yellowing of the skin and eyes. Gallbladder problems can also crop up; gallstones or other gallbladder issues can obstruct the bile ducts, leading to a build-up of bilirubin in the bloodstream. Yellow eyes could also be a symptom of pancreatic disorders, alcohol abuse and anaemia.
Cloudy eyes
Cloudy eyes can indicate underlying health problems, with cataracts being a common cause, especially in older people. Cataracts form when the eye's lens becomes cloudy, leading to a gradual decline in vision. Infections or injuries to the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, can also cause cloudiness. Glaucoma can damage the optic nerve, resulting in cloudy or hazy vision during acute attacks. If you experience persistent or sudden vision changes, including cloudy eyes, get to an eye specialist sooner rather than later. Early diagnosis and the correct treatments are vital for managing these conditions and preserving your vision. If you want healthy eyes for the long term, keep up with regular eye exams.
“Bug” eyes
"Bug eyes," a condition called exophthalmos, often indicates a health problem, commonly Graves' disease. This is an overactive thyroid condition. Exophthalmos causes your eyes to bulge out, giving you a wide-eyed look. People with Graves' disease may also experience weight loss, nervousness and a fast or irregular heartbeat due to an overactive thyroid gland. If you notice your eyes bulging and have these symptoms, it's essential to see a doctor for evaluation and treatment.
Good to know
A sudden and significant decline in your vision could signal a problem related to blood circulation in either your eyes or your brain. Don't wait for the situation to worsen; get immediate medical care to prevent severe consequences and potentially preserve your life. Even if your vision rapidly improves, it could still serve as an alert for an impending stroke or the onset of a migraine headache.
Remember, your eyes are more than the sum of their parts; they're mirrors reflecting your overall health. Regular eye exams offer a unique opportunity for early detection and prevention, allowing for timely interventions that can safeguard not just our vision but also our broader well-being.
By embracing the idea that our eyes are the windows to our health, we take an important step toward a more holistic understanding of our bodies and their intricate connections.
5 excellent food helpers
Maintaining good eye health is essential and certain foods can play a helpful role. Here are five foods that are beneficial for your eye health:
- Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which the body converts into Vitamin A, a nutrient that’s important for maintaining good vision and eye health. Vitamin A helps prevent night blindness and supports overall eye function.
- Leafy greens like spinach, kale and Swiss chard are high in lutein and zeaxanthin; antioxidants that help protect the eyes from harmful light and reduce the risk of age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
- Fatty fish like salmon, tuna and mackerel are excellent sources of Omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties and can help prevent dry eyes and reduce the risk of AMD.
- Citrus fruits such as oranges, grapefruits and lemons are high in Vitamin C.
- Eggs are a good source of lutein and zeaxanthin, as well as zinc. Zinc is another essential nutrient for maintaining eye health and may help prevent age-related vision loss.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.