[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/05\/eyes-health-problems\/#Article","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/05\/eyes-health-problems\/","headline":"Eye Opening: How Our Eyes Reveal Health Clues","name":"Eye Opening: How Our Eyes Reveal Health Clues","description":"Your eyes can reveal a host of chronic health problems, ranging from HIV to high cholesterol. Learn eye symptoms to watch for with our eye health guide.","datePublished":"2016-05-20","dateModified":"2024-06-26","author":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/ophthalmology-regions","name":"UPMC Vision Institute","url":"https:\/\/www.upmc.com\/services\/ophthalmology-regions","sameAs":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/upmc-vision-institute\/","parentOrganization":"UPMC"},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"UPMC HealthBeat","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/04\/UPMC-HealthBeat-Logo.png","width":600,"height":60}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/092017BLG_EYESHEALTHCLUES.jpg","url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/05\/092017BLG_EYESHEALTHCLUES.jpg","height":327,"width":754},"url":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/05\/eyes-health-problems\/","about":["Eye Health","Living and Wellness"],"wordCount":668,"keywords":["eye health","eyes","vision"],"articleBody":"Our eyes are more than just ‘windows to the soul.’ These two small organs can reveal a lot of information about your overall health.Your eyes are rich with nerves, veins, and arteries, which can reflect the health of the rest of your body. Getting your eyes checked out, especially when you notice changes in your vision, can show other underlying health conditions and diseases.This is why getting your eyes examined regularly is so important.Eye-Related Health ConditionsDuring your regular eye exam, your doctor may notice symptoms in your eyes that are directly related to eye-related conditions and diseases. Some of these conditions include:CataractsCloudy vision or glare may signal a\u00a0cataract, a vision problem common with aging and exposure to sunlight. Eye injury, eye disease, and certain medicines can cause cataracts.Often, cataracts don’t cause any vision problems. Some symptoms of cataracts can include cloudy, fuzzy, or foggy vision. You may also have trouble driving at night due to increased glare.Sometimes, vision loss from a cataract can occur slowly, although it may never become severe.Horner SyndromeDroopy eyelids and different-sized pupils can be potential warning signs of a dangerous medical condition called\u00a0Horner syndrome. Horner syndrome is linked to neck tumors and aneurysms and requires immediate medical attention.Health Conditions Reflected in Our EyesOther health conditions present themselves in the eyes but indicate more significant health concerns. Some of these health conditions include:DiabetesPeople with diabetes may experience an eye condition called\u00a0diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition resulting from prolonged high blood sugar damages the blood vessels in the retina. It is also the most common cause of vision loss among people with diabetes.This condition can potentially lead to poor vision and blindness but can be treated with laser treatment, medicine, or surgery.High Blood PressureA simple eye exam can help diagnose high blood pressure or\u00a0hypertension. High blood pressure can be seen in distinctive kinks and twists in the retina’s tiny blood vessels.High CholesterolA gray ring around your eye’s cornea (arcus senilis) or yellowish cholesterol deposits in the eyelids (xanthelasma) may indicate\u00a0high cholesterol\u00a0and that you’re at risk for cardiovascular disease. Cardiovascular disease can increase your odds of having a heart attack or stroke.HIV and AIDSThe HIV virus can cause retinopathy similar to diabetic retinopathy. Eye infections in AIDS patients are often severe and may lead to blindness. Eye doctors can sometimes detect these changes during eye exams. Early detection and treatment can help a patient maintain their vision.Marfan syndromeThis genetic disorder affects the connectivity of tissue in people’s bodies. This includes the tissue that holds the lens of the eyes in place. People with\u00a0Marfan syndrome\u00a0may have a dislocated lens in their eye which can cause blurred vision.Myasthenia gravisDroopy eyelids and double vision can be signs of\u00a0myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune condition that also causes muscle weakness.Skin cancerIf you develop a sore on or near your eyelid and have noticed that you’re losing eyelashes, you might have a type of eyelid carcinoma or\u00a0skin cancer.This type of skin cancer requires immediate medical attention. Some aggressive forms of eyelid cancer can lead to blindness or disfigurement if left untreated.Thyroid diseaseEyes that protrude or bulge \u2014 a condition called exophthalmos \u2014 can be a common sign of Grave’s disease, also known as an overactive thyroid gland.Thyroid eye disease can also cause red, inflamed eyes and vision changes and accompanies symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety or irritability.Early DetectionSome of these changes to your eyes can be treated and possibly prevented if detected early. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, contact your doctor.\u00a0Make an appointment at UPMC today.Learn more about your eye health. Visit the\u00a0UPMC Vision Institute webpage\u00a0for more.Editor's Note: This article was originally published on May 20, 2016, and was last reviewed on June 26, 2024."},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"2016","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"05","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/\/05\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Eye Opening: How Our Eyes Reveal Health Clues","item":"https:\/\/share-dev.upmc.com\/2016\/05\/eyes-health-problems\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]