Your eyes are able to show you far more than the world around you - they are also an indicator of many bigger ailments that your body might be fighting.
Your eyes really are a mirror...to your body and its inner workings; and if you know how to decipher its codes,
it can tell you exactly what is happening inside your body and whether there are any health issues to be worried about.
Although this article and the ailments we will mention apply to everyone,
eye glasses wearers should be extra careful about ensuring that their eyes are in good shape and should immediately consult an eye care professional should anything seem out of sorts such as pain, itchiness, bulging, loss of eyesight and so on.
Where dry eyes used to only affect middle aged to elderly people; with the growth of the computer generation and our constant attention to a screen, dry eyes are a regular occurrence today. However, people should still be aware as to whether their dry eyes only come from long periods of staring at the television, computer or telephone; or, if this occurs at other periods too. If so, it could be that you have a tear deficiency and need a regular dose to eye drops to compensate for your lack of tears and reduce the pain and discomfort that you are experiencing. If you’re a contact lens wearer, then this may also be the time to update your prescription and
buy glasses that you will actually enjoy wearing, as glasses put less strain on your eyes than contact lenses and will assist in the reproduction of your tears and the alleviation of the dryness.
Too many tears, on the other hand, are a problem too. This could hint at problems with your cornea, or eyelash or eyelid disease - not as uncommon as you may think. If you suddenly find that your eyes are tearing up but you feel no discomfort at all, then you should give it a few days and clean your eyelashes and eyelids with a cleaner recommended by your pharmacist. However, if you are also experiencing pain, then get yourself straight to a doctor for immediate examination as this could mean tearing or infection, among other things. And don’t forget, whether in the winter or summer, the sun is strong and the glare can also cause tearing. We recommend that you invest in a good pair of sunglasses - or better yet, prescription glasses that will help to erase the problem of sun-tearing from your life. Should you not wish to go in this direction, then, at the very least, you should buy
glasses frames fitted with lenses that have been treated with an anti-reflective coating.
Double vision is another cause for concern. If you are only experiencing this in one eye, then it could indicate a change in your prescription - whether in strength or astigmatism. This could also indicate corneal irregularities, cataracts, dislocated lenses or retinal diseases. If you have double vision in both eyes, then it could be symptomatic of far bigger problems such as thyroid diseases, cranial nerve diseases, brain problems, tumors and many other systemic diseases.
When eyes begin to bulge, it almost always relates to a thyroid problem of some sort - although not all thyroid disease sufferers suffer from this. More importantly, when eyes begin to bulge, it can hint at the existence of other diseases such as tumors or cancers. So when you suffer this symptom, don’t wait to get yourself checked out.
Sometimes, people see halos around lights, or tiny dots floating within their sight. Usually, with no pain, this could be a passing phase or an effect of aging but, if one begins to feel any discomfort, or there is a sudden increase in seeing these things, it could be cause for serious concern relating to cataracts, glaucoma, corneal disease or retinal tearing.
If your eyes begin to discolor - especially to a yellowish color - get yourself to a doctor immediately as it could indicate hepatitis (inflammation of the liver). Red eyes that come along with a pus discharge or reduction of vision should be seen by a professional immediately.
A stye that doesn’t go away within a few days, could indicate other diseases such as cancer.
The rule is, if there is minimal pain and swelling, simply discomfort, then wait it out and only see a doctor if it persists past a few days with no improvement. However, a doctor should be seen without delay if the pain and swelling is really bad.
In short, whenever a reduction in vision is concerned; or a level of pain that really is more than normal; or something that is out of the ordinary one should never wait as it could indicate something more serious.
