Did you know that your eye color can tell you something about your health? Eyes have long been touted as the gateway to the soul, but they can also provide some interesting clues to our overall health and wellness. There is more to our eyes than vision and beauty. Consider these signals your eyes may be giving you about your overall health.
- Grave’s disease. This is also known as an overactive thyroid. If you or someone you know has the stereotypical “bug-eyed” look, they are more susceptible to an overactive thyroid. In the disease, the feature is accompanied by weight loss, anxiety, and irregular pulse rate.
- High cholesterol. If you have a gray ring around the edge of your cornea, called an arcus senilis, you may also suffer from high triglycerides – or high cholesterol.
- Horner’s Syndrome. This condition is characterized by different sized pupils and droopy eyelids. If you see this in yourself or a loved one, get them to a doctor immediately. The syndrome is connected with aneurysms and neck tumors.
- Diabetes. Though you may not be able to see it with your naked eye, an ophthalmologist can detect changes in your retina that may indicate diabetes. Small hemorrhages and yellow lipid deposits can be seen by in an eye exam.
- Allergies. If you suffer from red, itchy, or watery eyes, the most common reason is allergies. Your eyes can be helpful in letting you know what substances are harmful for your body.
- Liver problems. If the whites of your eyes turn yellow, known as jaundice, you may have a problem with your liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts. Your skin may features the same sickly yellow color, but it is not as noticeable as in the whites of the eye.
- Stroke. Experiencing double vision, loss of vision, or tunnel vision may indicate a stroke. Especially in combination with other symptoms like trouble walking or weakness on one side of the body, these symptoms represent a health crisis. Call 911 immediately if you experience these symptoms.
Your eye color may also hold some clues about susceptibility. Light eyes have a statistically higher chance of developing cancer, and people with light-colored eyes should always wear eye protection in direct sunlight. Brown eyes may indicate better reaction times, but the evidence is only circumstantial at this point. Red in the whites of your eyes can indicate infection, dryness, or allergies, and can be important to explore with your physician.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you have a question about your eye health or need to have a routine checkup, contact TriCounty Eye Institute for an appointment today. Some of these signs may be characteristics, but some may also be coincidental. Only an evaluation by your doctors can determine if you should worry about illness or disease in connection with your overall eye health. Dr. Schneider specializes in the latest technologies and personalizes his patient visits with relevant information and discussions about an individual’s unique eye history.