"Last month, I met a patient, Mr. Li, and I was deeply shocked by his experience. Mr. Li, a 70-year-old retired teacher, loves to read and has always had good eyesight. However, in recent months he has started to feel blurred vision, and at first he thought it was just a common vision loss in older people and didn't pay much attention to it. But as time passed, his vision problems deteriorated rapidly and even began to affect his daily life. It wasn't until he noticed that the words on the books had become blurry as he read them that he realized the seriousness of the problem. When he came to our clinic, through a detailed examination, we found that he was facing a serious eye disease that could lead to permanent vision loss. ”
Eyes: A barometer of health
The eyes are not only organs of vision, but they also reveal the health of other parts of the body. For example, frequent eye redness and swelling may indicate diabetes or high blood pressure. Studies have shown that microvascular damage in the fundus of diabetic patients is an important clue to detect early diabetic changes. Similarly, abnormal changes in the retina are often associated with high blood pressure. High blood pressure can cause retinal blood vessels to narrow or even rupture, which can affect vision.
On the other hand, dry eyes can be an early sign of an autoimmune disease. Dry eye is often associated with autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus erythematosus. Long-term dry eyes not only affect quality of life, but can also indicate abnormalities in the body's immune system.
As another example, frequent increased intraocular pressure may indicate a potential risk of glaucoma. Glaucoma is a condition caused by abnormal pressure inside the eye that can lead to permanent vision loss if left untreated. In a study involving thousands of patients, about half of all glaucoma patients had ignored the increase in intraocular pressure before diagnosis.
Therefore, the focus on eye symptoms is not only about the protection of vision, but also about the monitoring of overall health. Timely detection and treatment of abnormal symptoms of the eye can not only prevent the development of eye diseases, but also reveal and intervene other potential health problems at an early stage.
Sudden loss of vision: an invisible alarm
A sudden deterioration in vision is usually not just a sign of aging. This can be an early sign of diabetes, high blood pressure, or even brain disease. For example, people with diabetes may experience diabetic retinopathy, which is retinal damage due to unstable blood sugar. One study showed that more than 40% of newly diagnosed people with diabetes developed some degree of retinal problems early in the disease.
In addition, a sudden loss of vision can also be a sign of a brain tumor or stroke. In these cases, the changes in vision are due to the part of the brain that controls vision being affected. In these cases, timely diagnosis is crucial, as early treatment can be effective in reducing long-term damage.
Persistent redness and swelling of the eyes: a sign that should not be ignored
Persistent redness and swelling of the eye can be a sign of an eye infection, dry eye or other inflammatory conditions. For example, keratitis, a condition often caused by a bacterial or viral infection, causes redness and swelling of the eyes, accompanied by pain and vision loss. According to the World Health Organization, keratitis is one of the leading causes of blindness.
On the other hand, persistent redness and swelling of the eyes can also be a symptom of dry eye, a condition caused by poor tear quality or insufficient tear production. The incidence of dry eye syndrome is particularly high in people who spend a lot of time in front of a computer screen. Dry eye syndrome does not directly lead to blindness, but if left untreated, it can lead to more serious eye problems and even affect the quality of daily life.
Frequent increased intraocular pressure sensitivity: insidious warning of glaucoma
When intraocular pressure sensation is significantly increased and occurs frequently, it is often not due to fatigue alone. This condition can be an early sign of glaucoma, a potential vision killer. Glaucoma is a condition caused by abnormally high pressure in the eye, which can lead to damage to the optic nerve and even permanent blindness if left untreated for a long time. According to the World Health Organization, glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide. However, in the early stages, many patients do not experience significant discomfort and are therefore often overlooked.
Double vision or blurred vision: Warning signs of brain health
Double vision or blurred vision isn't just an eye problem, they can be a sign of a brain health problem. These symptoms may indicate abnormalities in blood vessels in the brain or even the presence of brain tumors. In the case of double vision, for example, when two eyes are unable to work in harmony, two overlapping images are produced. This condition can be due to problems with the muscles or nerves in the eyes, or it can be the result of a brain disorder. According to one study, about 17% of people with double vision have a brain disorder at their root. Blurred visual field should also not be overlooked, as it can be a manifestation of retinal or optic neuropathy and a precursor to stroke.
Ocular foreign body sensation: a latent alarm sign
When you feel as if there are grains of sand or dust in your eyes, but in fact there is nothing, this sensation is called ocular foreign body sensation. This can be an early sign of dry eye, a condition caused by poor tear quality or insufficient tear production. In one study, more than 30% of people reported dry eye symptoms, especially those who used electronic devices for long periods of time. Dry eye is more than just an discomfort, it can lead to blurred vision and even damage to the ocular surface without treatment.
In addition, ocular foreign body sensation may be a sign of ocular infection or inflammation, such as conjunctivitis. Some external factors, such as prolonged exposure to dry or sooty environments, may also cause this feeling. If you experience a foreign body sensation in your eye, especially if it is accompanied by red eye or changes in vision, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Dry eyes: a hidden sign from the body
Dry eyes are a common problem, especially in middle-aged and older people. This condition may be the result of a weakening of the tear glands with age, or a result of hormonal changes. One study shows that nearly 60% of long-term computer users experience dry eyes. In addition to the discomfort of life, dry eyes can also be a warning of an underlying health problem, such as an autoimmune disease. Dry eye can cause eye pain, light sensitivity, and in severe cases, even damage the cornea, affecting vision.
Working or living in a dry environment, staring at a screen for long periods of time, and even the side effects of certain medications can cause dry eyes. The right treatment includes the use of artificial tears, improving Xi, and regular eye exams. If symptoms of dry eyes persist or are accompanied by other, more serious symptoms, such as vision loss, you should seek medical attention.