What Your Eyes are Telling You
Eye Warning Signs
- Eye Warning Signs
by Vicki Salemi
What Your Eyes Are Telling You
Could your eyes be trying to warn you about a possible thyroid problem or hepatitis? Find out what symptoms like yellow eyes and excessive watering are trying to tell you. - Eye Warning Signs
Yellow Eyes
According to John C. Hagan III, MD, Editor, Missouri Medicine and Clinical Correspondent for the American Academy of Ophthalmology, yellow eyes are a serious cause for concern. He explains, In hepatitis, a serious inflammation of the liver, the eyes become yellowish in color. The discoloration is uniform over the sclera, the white part of the eye. Since there are several different types of hepatitis, most of which can be prevented by appropriate immunizations, he advises getting examined by a physician immediately. - Eye Warning Signs
Tearing
Despite being the opposite of dry eyes, tearing may be attributed to having deficient tears as well. It may also be due to corneal problems or eyelash/eyelid disease. Michael Rosenberg, MD and Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at Hackensack University Medical Center, says there are several medications which predispose to tearing. If there is no pain and normal vision these patients should be examined within several days bytheir eye care professional If there is pain they should be examined immediately as there may be a foreign body, scratch, infection or inflammation causing the tearing. - Eye Warning Signs
Bulging Eyes
According to Marc Werner, MD, an ophthalmologist at Stahl Eye Center, bulging eyes are common to thyroid disease which is more common in women than men. While it may affect one eye or both, bulging is due to the enlargement of muscles surrounding the eyes. Although all thyroid disease patients do not demonstrate this symptom, if you have bulging eyes its recommended to see a doctor. A bulging eye can be the first manifestation of other diseases such as a tumor behind the eye or metastic cancer. A doctor will frequently order a scan or an MRI. - Eye Warning Signs
Double Vision
Double vision may occur in one eye or both. Dr. Rosenberg explains, With double vision from one eye we think of refractive (glasses) error, corneal irregularities, cataracts, dislocated lenses or retinal diseases. When double vision occurs in both eyes this is cause for more concern as it could be related to thyroid diseases, cranial nerve diseases, brain problems, tumors, and many systemic diseases. These patients should be examined emergently by their eye care professional and referred appropriately. - Eye Warning Signs
Dry Eyes
Although having dry eyes is a normal part of the aging process, according to Marguerite McDonald, MD and ophthalmologist with Ophthalmic Consultants, if your eyes continuously feel dry, scratchy or burn, this is primarily due to deficient tears. She explains, Overall this means a decrease in the quality of life since patients can not stay up as late, read as long or be in the wind or a smoky bar. As for the antidote? If the dry eyesensation continues she recommends seeing a doctor who will likely prescribe an eye drop to help produce more quality tears. - Eye Warning Signs
Seeing Halos Around Lights
Dr. Rosenberg explains patients often mention they see halos around lights; if vision is normal and there is no pain he says they should be evaluated within severaldays by their eye care professional. He adds, If there is associated pain and loss of vision, the patient should be seen immediately. We have to be concerned with cataracts, http://body.aol.com/conditions/glaucoma glaucoma, corneal disease, and contactlens overwear. - Eye Warning Signs
Bloodshot Eyes
If you're eyes are red and youre experiencing pain, pus discharge or a reduction of vision that lasts more than a week to ten days, Dr. Hagan strongly recommends seeing a physician. Anything associated with reduction of vision is right away-possibly today exam. This could equate to hyperthyroidism which often affects the eye; other symptoms include congested eyes which appear swollen. An ophthalmologist can often easily distinguish the difference between hyperthyroidism and eye allergy and irritation. - Eye Warning Signs
Styes
If you have a stye that is painful and is swelling, Dr. Rosenberg, indicates it could progress into other problems if it goes untreated. We also have to think about various types of cancers of the eyelid which can present like a stye. As for his recommendation, if there is minimal pain and swelling see an eye care professional after a few days however if significant pain and swelling persists, seek care as soon as possible. - Eye Warning Signs
Dots and Spots
Tiny objects may resemble small dots, string pieces or amoeba-like objects. Dr. Hagan explains these objects are called floaters; in children they represent small protein particles remaining from the formation of the eye. In middle-aged and older adults they represent normal aging. Sudden increases that appear in hundreds of small black particles may be a sign of a retinal tear or a retina detachment. Serious cause for concernoccurs when floaters are occur with bright, short duration flashes with eye movement. He recommends seeing a doctor as retinal tears are treated with laser or freezing to seal the tear shut.
