What do your eyes say about your health?

Eyes are said to be the mirror of the soul. However, symptoms of numerous more or less serious diseases are often recognized in the eyes.

Dark and puffy circles under the eyes

Dark circles are usually a sign of fatigue and lack of sleep. But the cause of their occurrence can also be intolerance to certain foods, such as gluten and cow’s milk. If your eyelids are swollen, it can be connected to an imbalanced intake of potassium and sodium in the body, that is, intake of too much salt.

Yellow whites of the eyes

In babies, yellow sclera can be a common occurrence, as a result of jaundice. However, in adults, this most often indicates a malfunction of the liver, gall bladder, but it can also indicate hepatitis and cirrhosis.

Yellowish spots and lumps on the eyelids

These are fatty deposits under the skin that are removed surgically.

Red eyes

If the redness is accompanied by itching in the eyes, sneezing, runny nose and coughing, it is most likely some kind of allergy. However, if (most often) one eye acquires a dark red color and you feel throbbing pain, this indicates inflammation of the iris (the colored part of the eye) and the ciliary, and it is necessary to visit an eye doctor immediately. This disease is most often a consequence of the existence of some inflammatory focus in the body, which must be examined and treated. Often, high blood pressure can also cause capillaries to dilate or burst, which leaves red dots on the sclera. Red eyes can be symptoms of conjunctivitis, eyelid inflammation and glaucoma (high eye pressure). Also, the eyes can often be red even after long-term work at the computer. On the other hand, if one eye suddenly turns red without other symptoms, it indicates the rupture of the capillaries of the outer covering of the eye – the conjunctiva, which can be caused by severe coughing, vomiting, as well as a sudden jump in blood pressure.

Itchy eyes

Itchy eyes are often a symptom of allergic conjunctivitis. Also, a common cause of itchy eyes is blepharitis, i.e. inflammation of the eyelids, which can often be caused by a disorder of the sebaceous glands, which is often associated with an increased production of fat on the scalp and forehead. In both cases, it is mandatory to consult an eye doctor in order to prescribe therapy.

Dry eyes

Dry eyes often result in burning and a feeling of sand in the eyes, and the causes can be various: staying in air-conditioned rooms, working for a long time at the computer and not blinking, wearing contact lenses for too long, taking certain medications, etc. Dry eyes are common in menopausal women, because the production of tears that moistens the surface of the eye decreases. Also, dry eye can be just one of the symptoms of some systemic diseases such as: Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, rosacea or Sjogren’s syndrome. In any case, consult a doctor who will prescribe high-quality artificial tears that will improve eye hydration.

Eye pain

If you feel severe pain in your eye, go to an eye examination immediately. Sharp pain in the eye can occur as a result of a superficial corneal wound (erosion), most often caused by a nail, a sharp object, or a leaf of various plants. Then the eye instinctively closes to protect the cornea. Also, a corneal ulcer can cause sharp and constant pain in the eye, but also significantly impair vision. People who wear contact lenses most often suffer from this condition, but it can also be the result of an eye injury and infection. Severe and persistent pain can be a sign of glaucoma (increased eye pressure) which, if not treated, can lead to blindness. These are conditions that require immediate ophthalmological examination.