10 life threatening diseases regular eye tests can detect

Very often doctors recommend us to get the eyes checked at regular intervals. However, we don't go for an eye check up until we have issues with the vision. Our understanding about the eyes is only limited to its focal power and vision.

However, the eyes can reveal major diseases in the body at a very early stage. Signs and symptoms which are least likely to be found can be detected through regular eye checkups.

Here's the list of major life threatening diseases which can be detected through eye tests.

Sounds strange, right?

Unexplained bleeding in the eye can be a sign of high blood pressure. This is called subconjunctival hemorrhage, in which a small blood vessel closer to the surface of the eyes ruptures.

It is also caused due to straining of the eyes during coughing and sneezing, injury to the head or the eyes, rubbing eyes and wearing contact lens for too long.

Untreated high blood pressure is known to cause Hypertensive Retinopathy, a condition in which the blood vessels in the retina get damaged.

Diabetes has the worst effect on the eyes. Hence those with diabetes or those who have the risk factors for this metabolic disorder are recommended to get their blood glucose level checked.

Regular eye checkup can help detect diabetes sooner.

Due to diabetes the person sees dark and floating spots. Apart from the floaters, the vision gets blurried and sometimes the person has difficulty in identifying colors.

Untreated diabetes can also blind a person completely.

Ever heard of eye strokes? Medically known as anterior ischemic optic neuropathy, this is a serious condition which occurs due to lack of blood flow to the tissues of the optic nerve in the eyes.

It is characterized by floaters, blurry vision and pain in the eyes.

Though there are several causes for this, several studies have found that the percentage of eye strokes is found to be higher in those with cardiovascular diseases.

Though arthritis seems to be remote and distant to the eyes, surprisingly a common symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is dry eyes.

Though dry eyes are common to several other complications which are not life threatening, when it is associated with rheumatoid arthritis and is left untreated it damages the cornea and compromises the vision of the individual.

One of the distinct characteristics of thyroid is bulging eyes.

In case of thyroid, the individual is likely to have dry eyes, has difficulty in moving the eyes, has double vision and is unable to tolerate bright lights.

As per health reports, the lower lid of the eyelids are most likely to get skin cancer.

A scar on the eyelids which appears smooth and bumpy should never be ignored or if you regularly check your eyes, do inform your doctor about it.

A bluish ring around the cornea, or the part of the eyes that help you to focus, is a clear indication of high cholesterol in your blood.

If you are in the high risk factor for cholesterol it is mandatory for you to get your eye tests done regularly.

Painful eye movement, blurry vision, sometimes double vision are characteristics of multiple sclerosis and these symptoms arise due to inflammation of the optic nerve.

Did you know eye check ups can also detect sexually transmitted diseases?

For example Gonorrhoea, a common STD, is also likely to have ocular infection like painful red eye, severe conjunctival injection, corneal thinning and hence cornea damage.

Vitamin deficiency is critical because it affects the quality of life and in connection with the eyes, lack of certain vitamins like A, B12 and E the vision is likely to be compromised.

Regular eye checkup can help the doctor understand the signs and recommend you medications and supplements for vitamins.

Dry eyes, night blindness, cornea scarring and cornea ulcers are the complications seen in people with vitamin A deficiency.

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