There are millions of people who experience eye problems at one time or another. However, in a high percentage of cases, some minor or complicated eye issues take form due to other medical conditions.
If you experience troubled or blurry vision, night blindness or constant headaches; there may be other illnesses to blame. In light of this, mentioned below are some of health conditions that lead to significant eye problems.
Diabetes
Diabetes is known for causing many diseases such as kidney failure, heart diseases and strokes. However, in the US alone, diabetes is a major cause of blindness among people who are below 65 years of age.
Diabetic eye disease can cause temporary or permanent blurring of vision. In worst cases, it can eventually lead to blindness.
Diabetes also increases the chances of developing glaucoma and cataracts. Many people don’t even realize they are diabetic until eye diseases or symptoms begin to emerge.
High Blood Pressure
Although a long history of high blood pressure is likely to cause kidney or heart problems, it is also infamous for triggering several eye complications. It is capable of damaging the blood vessels in the retina. This ultimately causes serious damage at the back – the area that is responsible for letting you adequately focus far and near objects and images.
This eye condition is referred to as hypertensive retinopathy. When hypertension is left untreated, it can cause more symptoms such headaches and problems with your eyesight.
Since, an individual may not be able to recognize hypertensive retinopathy symptoms on his own, it is necessary to schedule a routine eye examination.
Autoimmune Disorders
Autoimmune disorders are not only painful; they can seriously damage your overall health. Some disorders are difficult to identify and patients remain untreated for decades. It is only through a series of long-term symptoms that an autoimmune disorder is successfully diagnosed.
Moreover, these disorders can cause pain and inflammation in the eyes and lead to frequent headaches. Eye doctors can identify quite a few autoimmune disorders when you receive regular eye exams.
For instance, Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that cam damage your eyes. The most common symptoms include burning, itchy or scratchy eyes. Sometimes, a patient may also experience hazy or blurred vision.
Although lupus is known to affect the heart and lungs, there is no doubt that can have devastating toll on your eyes as well. The clinical course is marked by periods of flares and remissions, which may be chronic or acute.
Hypothyroidism
Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) is rarely associated with any eye disease or complications. However, hypothyroidism causes swelling around the eyes and can thin your eyebrows.
An eye condition known as Graves’ ophthalmopathy, is likely to develop if hypothyroidism occurs following the treatment for the disease. This is one of the most common forms of hyperthyroidism. Due to Graves’ ophthalmopathy, the patient may experience bulging eyes, blurred vision and severe discomfort.
Final Thoughts
If you suffer from any of the above diseases, get your eyes checked regularly. Contact your eye doctor immediately, if you experience any painful or unusual symptoms.
