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4 Eye Symptoms That Can Be A Sign Of A Serious Health Problem

Regular eye exams are important in order to monitor changes in your vision, but your eyes can also give signs of other health problems in your body that you may not be aware of. Catching a health issue early makes it much easier to treat, so think twice about skipping your next eye exam. Some common symptoms of other health problems that can be discovered through an eye exam include:

Discolored Arteries in the Eye

During an eye exam, an eye doctor can view the arteries in the retina. The presence of arteries that are silver or copper in color is a sign that a person is suffering from hypertension. Many people do not realize that they have high blood pressure, but it can be a dangerous condition that can lead to a stroke or a heart attack. If signs of high blood pressure are found during a routine eye exam, your eye doctor can refer you to your primary care physician for treatment.

Leaking Blood Vessels in the Eye

Leaking blood vessels in the eye can be a symptom of diabetes, as high glucose levels can cause damage to or clog the blood vessels. Diabetes is a very serious health condition that can cause a number of complications if not treated properly. Over time, uncontrolled diabetes can even cause blindness. If your eye doctor detects leaking blood vessels in your eye, it is a good idea to make an appointment with your primary care physician as soon as possible for further testing.

High Pressure in the Eye

When you get an eye exam, you will most likely have a test where a high-powered blast of air is directed at your eye. This test measures the pressure inside your eye. if you have high pressure in your eye, this may be a sign of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition where the optic nerve fibers in your eye begin to die. Prompt detection and treatment of glaucoma is essential to limiting vision loss.

Acute Inflammation

A number of things, such as dust, pollen, or allergies, can irritate the eye and cause itching, swelling, and other uncomfortable symptoms. Acute inflammation of the eye may be a sign of something more serious than just allergies. If your eye doctor notices that an abnormally large amount of swelling of the eye tissue, along with watery eyes and very red eyes during an eye exam, this may be a sign that you have an undiagnosed autoimmune disorder. As autoimmune disorders progress, they can become very serious, so if you have any symptoms you should consult your doctor to get a referral to a specialist.


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