Paying attention to your eyes can offer a window into health problems you may not even realise are building up?, according to Sujata Paul, Contact Lens Optician and Professional Services Clinical Lead at Lenstore. Sujata has detailed six ways in which your eyes could be showing early warning signs of wider health issues.
From burnout, sleep deprivation and even diabetes, Lenstore have put together guidance on how to spot six early warnings of health problems within your eyes, as well as next steps if any are discovered.
Here are some early warning signs to look out for in your eyes that could signal wider health issues:
White Spots on Your Cornea
Contact lens wearers are at a higher risk of suffering an eye infection if the proper duty and care is not followed when putting in and removing your lenses. If you notice any white spots on your cornea, then this could be an indication of a corneal infection or systemic response which would need to be checked by a medical professional. Hence contact lens compliance is of high importance for all contact lens wearers.
Eye Twitches
Eye twitches can have a variety of reasons behind them, including overindulging in alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine, and while most of these are relatively harmless, it can also be an early warning sign of burnout. Physical exertion, fatigue & stress are key triggers. If an eye twitch persists, it could be your body’s way of telling you to take some time off and manage your workload.
Puffy and Red Eyes
If you wake up and find that your eyes are looking puffy and red, it could be an allergic reaction, infection or extreme fatigue. It could be your eye’s way of telling you that your body needs more rest.
While an eye twitch may be more well known as a sign of lack of sleep, a lack of rest can also create irritation for your eyes. If you notice this happening in the morning, then ensuring you get proper rest will allow your eyes time to relax and recuperate.
Blurred Vision
Whilst blurred vision may simply be an indication that your prescription needs updating, it can also be an early sign of more serious issues such as irregularities in diabetes or cataracts.
High blood sugar level spikes can damage the blood vessels in the retina. The damaged blood vessels become swollen, bleed or may leak fluid. This can result in the inability to see with a clear focus and detect details in objects. This can occur in just one or both eyes. Most people will notice their vision improving as their blood sugar levels regulate.
A cataract is the breakdown of protein found inside the lens that mass together forming cloudy patches. As the lens is responsible for the amount of light that enters the eye, the cataract can reduce the light from entering, which can lead to hazy & blurry vision. It creates a thin curtain veil covering the eyes.
Cataracts can either affect one or both eyes and tend to occur later in life. If blurred vision persists, then booking an eye exam with your optician will allow them to diagnose any potential issues based on a full eye examination.
Ring Around Your Cornea
If you notice a white ring forming around your iris, this could be a sign that your cholesterol is potentially high. If your cholesterol is becoming an issue, your eyes are an early indicator as fatty deposits known as lipids will begin to form and create a ring around the outside of your cornea.
Those under 40 should keep an extra look out for these, as it can be a sign of extreme levels of cholesterol which would require an appointment with both your optician and GP.
Floaters
Have you ever wondered what those tiny specks and worm-like shapes are that sometimes appear in your vision? If you have a few floaters in your vision, there’s generally no reason to worry. They’re very common and not harmful. However, if they’re accompanied by flashes of light, or there is a sudden onset of unusually large number of floaters within a short space of time, this is a symptom of a more serious problem.
If the more frequent occurrence of floaters is accompanied by temporary vision loss or perceived flashing lights, then it could be indicative of retinal detachment. This condition is a medical emergency and may quickly lead to loss of vision or permanent vision impairment if left untreated.
If you ever suspect you have the symptoms of retinal detachment, contact an eyecare professional immediately.
