Imagine suddenly experiencing double vision without any prior injury or trauma, just as 30-year-old teacher Melissa experienced this troubling symptom. A few months ago, she noticed brief blurriness in one eye, but dismissed it as fatigue from too much screen time. After undergoing basic and advanced eye tests, her symptoms pointed to multiple sclerosis. A neuro-ophthalmologist confirmed the diagnosis, and Melissa began treatment immediately. (Also read: Can visions produce strange thoughts? Study shows how eyes and mental health are linked ,
Melissa’s story is not unusual. Langis Michaud, an optometrist with 30 years of experience, explains in an article for The Conversation that many patients detect underlying health conditions through eye-related symptoms. As a professor at the Université de Montréal School of Optometry, Michaud places an emphasis on teaching students how eye problems can indicate broader health problems and how to ensure that patients receive appropriate care. Work closely with professionals.
Early Diabetes Screening and Eye Health
Nearly 8% of the population is expected to be affected by diabetes by 2030, so early detection is essential. However, diabetes is often diagnosed 6 to 13 years after its onset. Eye exams can help detect the disease early, as distinctive lesions may appear in the back of the eye before other symptoms develop.
Early diagnosis within five years of detection is important, as 25% of patients with type 1 diabetes and 40% of patients with type 2 diabetes treated with insulin can develop sight-threatening eye lesions. With timely detection and regular monitoring, the risk of blindness caused by untreated diabetes can be significantly reduced.
High blood pressure and cholesterol in the eyes
High blood pressure and high cholesterol often go unnoticed, yet they pose serious risks for heart disease and stroke. Surprisingly, the eyes can show early symptoms of these conditions without any invasive procedures. The eye’s blood vessels are visible, offering a unique window into vascular health.
High blood pressure, often called the “silent killer,” can show symptoms such as vasoconstriction or damage to the retina. Similarly, high cholesterol can lead to visible cholesterol deposits within blood vessels, known as Hollenhorst plaques, or as lipid arches in the cornea and yellow patches around the eyes (xanthelasma). . Because symptoms may be subtle or develop slowly, many patients mistake them for normal changes. Regular eye exams can help detect these problems early, allowing timely intervention.
Glaucoma: the silent sight thief
Glaucoma, a silent optic nerve disease, often progresses without any symptoms. This is usually caused by high eye pressure from excess aqueous humor or drainage problems, leading to gradual loss of nerve fibers and narrowing of the visual field. By the time vision loss becomes noticeable, significant nerve damage may have occurred, which is often irreparable. Chronic glaucoma can result from ophthalmic problems or medications such as cortisone.
However, normotensive glaucoma occurs with normal eye pressure and is associated with conditions such as low blood pressure or sleep apnea. These types of patients require thorough medical evaluation for the underlying cause.
How can cancer be detected through eye examination?
Cancer, often called the disease of the century because of its widespread nature, can also affect the eyes, like retinoblastoma, and can also spread to other organs such as the lungs and liver. Many cancers, including those affecting the eye, develop without any symptoms, making early detection important for survival.
Some retinal pigment abnormalities, such as bear paw shape, can be associated with colon cancer, which has a poor prognosis if left untreated. Visual field tests can reveal issues that patients may not notice or think are minor, but may indicate serious conditions such as a brain tumor or nerve compression.
Symptoms such as abnormal eye movements, uneven pupil response, sudden difficulty reading or double vision are danger signs that require a thorough eye and neurological examination. The eyes serve as a window into overall health, making regular optometrist visits essential for early detection and resolution of potential health problems, even without symptoms.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions you may have about a medical condition.
