Windows to Wellness: What Your Eyes Reveal About Your Health

The saying "the eyes are the window to the soul" suggests that a person's eyes reveal their true inner nature, emotions, and character in ways that words or other expressions might not.

The idea comes from the amazing way our eyes can express many emotions like joy, sadness, fear, love, anger, or even deception, sometimes even more honestly than the words we speak. For instance, if a person is lying, their eyes might dart away, or they avoid contact. When someone is genuinely happy, their eyes often "light up." The quote also touches on the notion that while people can somewhat control their words and facial expressions, it’s harder to mask what's happening in our eyes..

However, the saying takes on a different meaning when we consider the connection between our eyes and overall health. We often overlook that our eyes are a critical indicator of how well or sick we are, sometimes without knowing it.

Has anyone ever told you, "I can look at your eyes and tell you are tired?" Or noticed your eyes were red and asked you if you had been crying? That's because your eyes can be good indicators of hidden health issues, from simple fatigue to underlying diseases. Below are a few that we should all be aware of:

People with diabetes are often diagnosed with Diabetic Retinopathy, a serious complication that results from high blood sugar levels that damage blood vessels in the retina. Early signs can include blurred vision or difficulty reading.

High blood pressure can lead to Hypertensive Retinopathy, characterized by narrowed blood vessels in your eyes. Symptoms can be subtle and can include headaches and occasional dizziness. 

Autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Sjögren’s Syndrome can affect eye health. The classic symptom is severe dry eye syndrome.

Jaundice, often characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, indicates liver failure or dysfunction and requires immediate medical evaluation.

Retinal Detachment is marked by the sudden appearance of floaters, flashes of light, and a shadow or curtain-like effect in your peripheral vision. 

I never paid much attention to what the eyes reveal about our health until I worked with an ophthalmologist a few years back. During one of our staff meetings, they mentioned they could glance at a person in any given setting and often tell whether that person had health issues. At that point, I decided to pay closer attention to the appearance of my own eyes, particularly since I've worn eyeglasses for nearsightedness since I was nine.

Out of curiosity, I also started watching other people’s eyes, hoping to find the same clues the doctor spotted. Well, I haven't been able to do that, but I do know what healthy eyes should look like. I also know when someone is lying, but that’s a different look. The eyes don’t lie.

Observing changes in your eye appearance or function is a wellness check we all should make regularly. So the next time you look in the mirror, here are five things you can do that can potentially address health concerns before they develop into serious complications: 

1.      Monitor your eyes for color changes: Look at the whites of your eyes. A yellowish tint could indicate liver issues, while red or bloodshot eyes are often signs of fatigue or irritants.

2.      Observe your eyes for physical changes: Pay attention to cloudiness, vision changes, or floaters. These symptoms could suggest cataracts, retinal detachment, or other serious conditions.

3.      Track Eye Discomfort: If you experience persistent dryness, eye pain, headaches, tearing, or itching, it might indicate allergies, infection, or autoimmune disorders.

4.      Assess Light Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to light can be associated with migraines or conditions affecting the retina.

5.      Consult Professionals: Schedule an eye examination to catch potential issues early on and receive personalized advice.

The eyes have it, so here are a few pitfalls to avoid when it comes to your health:

·         Get routine eye exams if you're over 40 or have a family history of eye diseases.

·         Don’t ignore symptoms -persistent change in appearance is a tell-tale sign that something is wrong.  

·         Avoid Self-diagnosing - treating repeated eye irritation with over-the-counter medication instead of seeking professional help can easily become a problem requiring more intensive treatment.

·         Eat a healthy diet: Nutrients like Omega-3 fatty acids, lutein, and vitamin C are crucial for maintaining eye health. Although the  "carrots improve eyesight" is a myth, carrots and other orange vegetables support overall eye health as part of a balanced diet.

·         Limit Screen Time: Persistent exposure to the blue light emitted from screens can cause strain and potential damage.

Keeping your eyes healthy is not just about 20/20 vision; it's about protecting your overall health.

Make the Eye-Health Connection, Be Well!

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