The eyes may be the window to the soul, but they can also reveal a few things about your health that may surprise you. Like other parts of the body, your eyes may show symptoms of different problems because of the way they're wired to the rest of your system. In particular, your eyes rely on the vascular system (for blood flow), the muscular system (for movement) and the nervous system (your brain).
From vision changes to odd appearances and/or swelling, paying attention to what your eyes look like can make it easier to identify what's normal and what's not.
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1. Blood spot
If you notice a red splotch on the white of your eye, you might fear the worst. But, this is usually just a sign of bruising under the surface of the eye that will clear up within a few weeks. If it gets worse, if you begin having vision problems, or if you're worried, call your eye doctor for a quick visit, just to be sure.
If you notice a red splotch on the white of your eye, you might fear the worst. But, this is usually just a sign of bruising under the surface of the eye that will clear up within a few weeks. If it gets worse, if you begin having vision problems, or if you're worried, call your eye doctor for a quick visit, just to be sure.
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2. Your vision suddenly gets blurry
A sudden loss of vision may indicate that the blood between your eyes and brain isn't flowing properly. If this happens, you should get immediate medical attention. If your vision gets blurry and fixes quickly, you should still contact a doctor as it could be a warning of stroke. People with migraines may also experience sudden vision loss before the onset of a headache.
A sudden loss of vision may indicate that the blood between your eyes and brain isn't flowing properly. If this happens, you should get immediate medical attention. If your vision gets blurry and fixes quickly, you should still contact a doctor as it could be a warning of stroke. People with migraines may also experience sudden vision loss before the onset of a headache.
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3. Ring around the cornea of your eye
If you look in the mirror and notice a gray-to-white line around the cornea of your eye, it could mean the presence of fat deposits and a condition called corneal arcus. This ring does not cause vision problems, and in people over 40, it's not usually a concern. However, in younger people, this ring could indicate elevated cholesterol levels.
If you look in the mirror and notice a gray-to-white line around the cornea of your eye, it could mean the presence of fat deposits and a condition called corneal arcus. This ring does not cause vision problems, and in people over 40, it's not usually a concern. However, in younger people, this ring could indicate elevated cholesterol levels.
4. Drooping lids
Drooping eyelids may signify a condition in which your immune system weakens your muscles. This condition, myasthenia gravis, can attack muscles in your face, eyes, neck, throat and legs. If you experience this symptom, along with muscle weakness or extreme fatigue, seriously consider making an appointment with your doctor.
Drooping eyelids may signify a condition in which your immune system weakens your muscles. This condition, myasthenia gravis, can attack muscles in your face, eyes, neck, throat and legs. If you experience this symptom, along with muscle weakness or extreme fatigue, seriously consider making an appointment with your doctor.
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5. Yellow eyes
Yellow whites of the eyes could indicate jaundice, which means there are problems with your liver. Jaundice is relatively common in newborns. While infants will be treated for jaundice, most adults are only treated for the condition causing it.
Yellow whites of the eyes could indicate jaundice, which means there are problems with your liver. Jaundice is relatively common in newborns. While infants will be treated for jaundice, most adults are only treated for the condition causing it.
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6. Twitching eyes
Slight muscle twitches (even the repeated pulsing) can be annoying, but the twitches are common and typically harmless. They could mean you need more sleep, less caffeine or need to cut ties with tobacco. In severe cases, it could indicate a more serious illness like MS, but in that case the twitching is accompanied by other symptoms elsewhere (like difficulty walking or talking).
Slight muscle twitches (even the repeated pulsing) can be annoying, but the twitches are common and typically harmless. They could mean you need more sleep, less caffeine or need to cut ties with tobacco. In severe cases, it could indicate a more serious illness like MS, but in that case the twitching is accompanied by other symptoms elsewhere (like difficulty walking or talking).
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Your eyes may give insight into someone's personality and character, but they can also tell you a lot about your own health. If you have any concerns about your eyes or are experiencing other symptoms, be sure to speak with a medical professional.
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