The eyes are closely linked to the central nervous system and many other organs, so changes in overall health can affect vision. Beyond common eye conditions, systemic issues like diabetes, thyroid disease, or stroke can cause blurred vision, watery eyes, and other ocular abnormalities.

High cholesterol

High cholesterol can impact vision. It not only affects cardiovascular health but also sometimes vision. Some individuals experience transient vision loss, a sensation of a film covering their eyes that then disappears. This occurs when excess cholesterol accumulates in blood vessels, blocking those supplying the retina. Other indicators include a gray ring around the cornea or small yellow patches on the eyelids.

Thyroid disease

Abnormal eye protrusion may signal thyroid involvement. The thyroid gland regulates metabolic hormones. When it functions abnormally, particularly in individuals with Graves' disease, muscles and tissues around the eyes can swell, making the eyes appear larger and more prominent. Patients may also experience double vision or dry eyes due to eyelid retraction, which prevents complete closure.

Diabetes

Diabetes can cause severe eye damage. High blood sugar can cause the macula in the retina to swell or accumulate fluid, leading to blurred vision and vision loss. Individuals with diabetes also face a high risk of developing glaucoma and cataracts. Warning symptoms include blurred vision, blind spots, distorted images, or fading colors. In severe cases, the disease can lead to blindness.

Retinal migraine

Retinal migraine can manifest as temporary visual disturbances in one eye. Symptoms may include flashing lights, zigzag patterns, temporary blind spots, or dark, blurry areas partially obscuring vision, specifically in one eye. These symptoms typically last a few minutes and sometimes accompany a headache. Unlike common migraines that affect both eyes, retinal migraines usually impact only one eye.

Autoimmune diseases

Many autoimmune diseases can cause eye symptoms. Myasthenia gravis can cause drooping eyelids or double vision due to weakened eye muscles. Lupus can lead to uveitis, resulting in red eyes, eye pain, light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Additionally, vision loss in one eye, accompanied by pain when moving it, is sometimes the first sign of multiple sclerosis. Patients may also notice colors fading or experience uncontrolled eye movements.

Stroke

Sudden vision loss is an emergency sign that may indicate a stroke. This condition often affects one eye but can sometimes cause blind spots in both eyes. A stroke can also cause double vision, difficulty recognizing images, loss of balance, or poor motor coordination due to disrupted signals between the eyes and the brain. Some individuals may struggle to control eye movements or close their eyes completely.

By Bao Bao