Posted On: July 23, 2024

Eye Health and Its Effect on Whole Body Health

When people think about their health, as ironic as it may be, eyes are easy to overlook. At Eileen West, MD and Associates, I believe that maintaining great eye health is related not simply to keeping up great vision, but is additionally connected with general well-being.

Is There a Connection Between Eye Health and General Wellness?

Yes, absolutely. The eyes are a lot more than windows to the soul; they are an indicator of our overall health. Good vision is an integral part of healthy living, and it has a direct impact on our ability to read, write, communicate with others, drive, and other daily activities. Did you know that several medical conditions sometimes manifest their first symptoms through the eyes? For example, hypertension, or high blood pressure, may damage blood vessels in the retina and cause vision loss. With regular comprehensive eye exams, complications can be noted, and early intervention will be useful in maintaining health.

Many don’t fully understand how close the connection between eye health and general health actually is. Eye exams can detect high-cholesterol conditions, autoimmune diseases, and even brain tumors. As an example, optic nerve inflammation might indicate multiple sclerosis, while changes in the blood vessels of the retina could point to a variety of cardiovascular diseases. Thus, regular eye checkups contribute to complete health monitoring, not just vision.

The Most Common Conditions in Your Body Related to Eyes

Eye health is a mirror of various systemic conditions. Here are some common health issues linked to eye health:

1. Hypertension (Blood Pressure)

High blood pressure can lead to hypertensive retinopathy, where the blood vessels in the retina are damaged. This condition can impair vision if not managed properly. Symptoms may include double vision, headaches, and sudden vision loss, underscoring the need for regular eye check-ups.

2. Uncontrolled Diabetes

Diabetic retinopathy can occur in anyone with diabetes. It leads to loss of vision due to damage to the light-sensitive tissue when high levels of glucose in the blood damage the blood vessels within the retina. It can lead to loss of vision, floaters, and, eventually, blindness if not treated appropriately. These damaged blood vessels can be seen with an ophthalmoscope during an eye exam.

Diabetics are also two to five times more likely to develop cataracts and get them at an earlier age than those with normal blood sugar. Cataracts cloud the lens of the eye causing blurred vision, loss of perception of colors, and difficulty seeing at night. This eventually leads to a need for surgical repair. Every individual with diabetes should have an annual comprehensive eye examination with an eye specialist.

3. Thyroid problems

Hyperthyroidism can present as eyes which appear to bulge out of their sockets and sometimes are the first sign of a significant thyroid issue.

4. Cancer

Some cancers can spread to or first appear in the eyes. For example, ocular melanoma is a type of cancer that arises from the pigment-producing cells of the eyes. Retinoblastoma is a very rare eye cancer that mainly affects children and requires early detection through an eye exam.

5. Migraines

They can cause you to have temporary vision loss or visual disturbance, establishing the neurological linkage between eye health and general wellness. Migraines might present themselves as flashing lights, zigzag patterns, or blind spots, and they can very much affect daily activities.

6. Allergies

Allergic reactions usually take place within the eyes and, therefore, could result in redness, itching, and watering of the same. Allergic conjunctivitis has emerged as one of the current major complications that has significant impacts on quality of life.

Why Protecting Your Eyes is a Must

Our eyes face a lot of stress and can be under strain from a number of sources in today’s digital world. Eye health has never been more integral, considering the trend to create new ways to protect vision.

1. Sun Protection

It is quite important to protect our eyes, as we do our skin, from the impact of UV. Without protective measures for the eyes, being out in the sun for long hours can increase the risk of cataracts and macular degeneration. Wearing sunglasses that block UV and wide-brimmed hats are simple ways to save your eyes.

2. Blue Screen Light

Excessive screen exposure includes blue light that can stress the eyes and lead to sleeping pattern disruptions. This could further contribute to digital eye strain, as evidenced by headaches and blurred vision with dry eyes during work. Blue light glasses and time management on screen are important parts of the strategies toward mitigating such effects.

3. Dry Eye Syndrome

The more people use screens; the more people have dry eye syndrome. This is an inflammatory ocular condition whereby lacrimal bodies fail to produce enough tears or evaporate too quickly. Generally, most people feel like something is in their eye—stinging and burning sensations—yet they can feel gritty sensations that may further worsen under the continuous use of digital devices.

Vision Screenings Are an Important Part of Your Annual Exam

I recommend vision screenings as an essential part of preventative healthcare. They not only permit good vision but also contribute to the maintenance of good eye health and general well-being. Beyond helping me identify potential issues that may warrant a referral to an ophthalmologist, vision screenings help me suspect or detect, at an early stage, systemic conditions like diabetes and hypertension. Early detection by this method will enable us to carry out interventions and treatment, preventing more serious health issues later in life.

I’m pleased to offer vision screening as part of our annual exams as an added value for members. This service will ensure I identify any change in vision or eye health early on and take preventative measures.

In Conclusion…

Good eyesight and ocular health are often associated with optimal wellness. Our eyes play a huge role in our lives, helping us to see and explore the world, apart from indicating serious and general problems to do with health. At Eileen West, MD and Associates, I believe in providing quality care, which now includes offering general vision screening as part of our annual exams to those who are interested. If any abnormalities are detected, you will be given a referral to an eye specialist. Make an appointment by calling us now for your annual exam, and start on your way to good eye health and overall well-being.