Our eyes can warn us of health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and cancer. Some of these can be detected through a comprehensive eye exam. Early recognition of these signs allows for timely intervention, protecting vision and overall health. Here are some eye signs that reveal underlying diseases.

Retinal damage can initially manifest as unusual pigmentation changes or lesions. Eye cancers, such as retinoblastoma or ocular melanoma, can sometimes metastasize to the eye and cause retinal pigment abnormalities.

Diabetes can gradually damage organs and tissues before noticeable symptoms appear. According to the National Eye Institute, diabetic retinopathy is one of the earliest detectable complications. High blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in the retina, causing swelling, leakage, or the development of abnormal blood vessels.

These retinal changes can appear before typical diabetes symptoms. Regular eye exams are essential, especially for those with risk factors like obesity or a family history of diabetes. Timely intervention can prevent vision loss and reduce the risk of serious complications associated with prolonged high blood sugar.

High blood pressure and high cholesterol often develop silently without obvious symptoms. However, the eyes can provide early warning signs before complications like heart attacks or strokes occur. Hypertensive retinopathy, which happens when prolonged high blood pressure damages the small blood vessels in the retina, leads to narrowing, thickening, or bleeding. Similarly, high cholesterol can manifest as yellow patches on the eyelids (xanthelasma) or cholesterol plaques within the retinal blood vessels.

Certain neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis and brain tumors, can cause early symptoms like double vision, uneven pupil response, or sudden difficulty seeing. Visual field testing and detailed eye exams can detect these issues before patients notice other typical symptoms.

Glaucoma often progresses without noticeable symptoms until irreversible vision loss occurs. The disease develops when intraocular pressure increases, damaging the optic nerve. Systemic factors like age, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol can increase the risk of glaucoma. Normal-tension glaucoma, where eye pressure remains safe, can be caused by low blood pressure or conditions like sleep apnea. Eye exams, which assess the optic nerve and measure pressure, can prevent permanent vision loss.

Bao Bao (Times of India)