20 Health Problems Unveiled through Eye Exams

Your eyes are not just the windows to your soul; they also serve as mirrors reflecting your overall health. Regular eye exams are not only crucial for maintaining good vision but can also detect a myriad of health problems. In this blog, we'll explore 20 health issues that can be caught during an eye exam, their signs and symptoms, and the diagnostic methods employed.

1. Cancers
Numerous cancers can be found during a detailed eye exam or retinal imaging. Skin cancers affect the eyelids and outer surfaces of the eye. The most common types of skin cancers are basal cell, squamous cell and melanoma. Leukemia and lymphoma can also affect the interior aspect of the eye. Tumors in the breast and other areas can spread to the ocular structures.

2. Hypertension
High blood pressure can lead to hypertensive retinopathy, characterized by damaged blood vessels in the retina. This condition can be identified through dilation or imaging of the eyes.

3. High Cholesterol
Cholesterol deposits in the eye's blood vessels may indicate elevated cholesterol levels, which can be observed in the retina during routine eye exams. One of the first signs of elevated cholesterol may be the appearance of a white ring forming on the front surface of the eyes.

4. Autoimmune Diseases
Certain autoimmune diseases, like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, can manifest in the eyes. Inflammation or mild to severe dry eyes might be indicative of an underlying autoimmune condition. Red eyes with deep severe pain may be a sign of scleritis. This condition requires medical therapy.

5. Thyroid Disorders
Abnormalities such as protruding eyes and double vision may suggest thyroid problems, such as hyperthyroidism (most commonly caused by Graves Disease) or hypothyroidism.

6. Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a degenerative disease that affects neurons (nervous system). Inflammation of the optic nerve can be the first sign. Other early indicators may be changes in appearance of the optic nerve, double vision or a painful eye , prompting further neurological investigations.

7. Brain Tumors
Tumors increase the pressure in the brain causing swelling of the optic nerve head or changes in peripheral vision. Other signs and symptoms are change in pupil size and double vision. Signs of the presence of a brain tumor need urgent care.

8. Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder characterized by muscle weakness and fatigue. MG often affects the eyes first. Drooping eyelids, Double vision, and eye movement weakness. Other bodily symptoms are weakness in the arms or legs, or life-threatening problems with breathing, talking, chewing or swallowing.

9.Sarcoidosis
This inflammatory disease affects multiple organs in the body, including the eyes. The most common eye symptom of this disease is iritis, a recurring, painful inflammation of the iris or colored part of the eye. This condition also causes severe light sensitivity.

10. Sickle cell disease
People with sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder. The red blood cells can block the flow of blood throughout the body because they are stiff and misshaped. This disease can cause a myriad of ocular changes, from redness and burst blood vessels on the surface of the eye to severe hemorrhages and even retinal detachment inside the eye.

11. Sjögren's syndrome
This autoimmune disease causes the body’s white blood cells to attack the glands that make tears and saliva. The resulting inflammation damages the glands, limiting their production of the fluids that normally keep the eyes and mouth moist.Unsurprisingly, dry eyes are a key feature of Sjögren's syndrome. Other symptoms include burning or stinging in the eyes, blurry vision and dry mouth.

12. Vitamin Deficiencies
Low levels of vitamin A can cause dry eyes. Without Vitamin A your eyes can not produce the necessary tears to keep your eyes hydrated. It can also lead to night blindness, by preventing production of certain pigments needed for your retina to work properly. Vitamin A deficiency is the leading cause of preventable blindness in children worldwide.

13. Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Certain infections, like syphilis, herpes, chlamydia, HIV, gonorrhea, genital warts and pubic lice can manifest in the eyes. Eye exams can aid in diagnosing and managing these conditions.

14. Anemia
Pale or yellowish coloration of the conjunctiva might be linked to anemia, indicating a potential blood-related issue.

15. Hypoglycemia
Low blood sugar levels can affect the eye's function, leading to visual disturbances that may be identified during an eye exam.

16. Sleep Disorders
Inadequate sleep can result in dry eyes or twitching eyelids, alerting healthcare professionals to potential sleep-related disorders. Sleep apnea decreases oxygen perfusion to the optic nerve. It is a risk factor for glaucoma.

17. Giant cell arteritis
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) is a lingering inflammation of medium-sized arteries that affects the arms, upper body and neck. These same arteries help nourish the eyes, and inflammation can result in blurred vision, double vision, or even sudden vision loss in one or both eyes. A dilated eye exam, retinal imaging and blood tests for this condition can allow for an early diagnosis of GCA. Medical treatment can prevent a lifetime of blindness or even early death.

18. Stroke
Blood vessels of the retina sometimes contain blockages or clots. These blockages can cause sudden blind spots or give the sense of a “curtain” closing over a person’s vision. These can point to an increased risk for stroke. A loss of side vision may also be a warning of brain damage caused by a previous stroke.

19. Lyme disease
Lyme disease is an infection spread by ticks, which leads to inflammation throughout the body. Many people with Lyme disease experience inflammation of the optic nerve as well as an increase in floaters.

20. Diabetes
Early signs of diabetes, such as blurred vision and difficulty focusing, can be detected through changes in the blood vessels of the retina during an eye exam. That is why it is important to have your eyes dilated or imaged each year especially if you are at higher risk for diabetes.

Conclusion
Regular eye exams are not just about checking your vision—they're an essential tool for unveiling potential health issues early on. By recognizing the signs and symptoms discussed in this blog, individuals and healthcare professionals can collaborate to address these concerns promptly, ensuring overall well-being and preserving the precious gift of sight. The doctors at Monarch Bay Optometry invite you to schedule your comprehensive eye exam today.