The eyes not only reflect emotions but can also reveal overall health. Many systemic diseases impact the vascular system. The retina is the one part of the body that allows doctors to directly observe the small blood vessel system (microcirculation) non-invasively, using funduscopy (typically after applying pupil-dilating eye drops).

The American Optometric Association (AOA) recommends that adults aged 18 to 64 have an eye exam once a year. A thorough eye examination can also detect asymptomatic diseases that pose a potential risk of vision loss.

Diabetes

Many signs of diabetes can manifest in the eyes; therefore, regular eye exams can aid in early detection. The retina, the light-sensing lining at the back of the eyeball, contains a network of small blood vessels. In individuals with diabetes, prolonged high blood sugar can damage these retinal blood vessels, causing them to leak blood into the tissue layer.

Impact on vision: In its initial stage, the disease may be asymptomatic. As damage progresses, patients may experience blurred vision or decreased clarity. Diabetes also increases the risk of eye conditions such as: cataracts (clouding of the lens), glaucoma (optic nerve damage), and diabetic retinopathy – a leading cause of blindness.

Hypertension

Changes in retinal blood vessels can also signal hypertension. High blood pressure causes alterations in vessel walls, potentially leading to fluid leakage at the back of the eye or increased intraocular pressure.

Impact on vision: Hypertension elevates the risk of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and macular degeneration – damage to the central retinal area that aids in detailed vision, causing blurred vision or reduced central vision. Maintaining normal blood pressure helps reduce the risk of eye complications, as well as cardiovascular diseases, stroke, kidney disease, and dementia.

High blood cholesterol

Excess cholesterol can deposit in blood vessels, increasing the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke. This condition can also occur in the blood vessels behind the eye, leading to signs of a cloudy yellow ring at the edge of the cornea – a manifestation of high blood cholesterol.

Impact on vision: Cholesterol deposits in the eyes typically do not cause direct vision changes. However, they can increase the risk of glaucoma. Since glaucoma progresses silently, patients often do not notice early vision changes, making regular eye exams even more crucial.

Bao Bao (Source: Prevention)