What Do Unhealthy Eyes Look Like?

Your eyes are not just the windows to your soul—they also serve as key indicators of your overall health. Detecting issues with your eyes early can prevent serious complications, so it's essential to know what signs to look for and always speak to your optician if you have any concerns. Unhealthy eyes can exhibit a variety of symptoms, some more obvious than others. This blog will guide you through common signs that may indicate your eyes are not in their best condition, and offer insights into what these signs could mean for your health.

Red or Bloodshot Eyes

One of the most noticeable signs of unhealthy eyes is redness or bloodshot eyes. This condition can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from harmless irritation to more serious underlying issues. If you notice that your eyes are consistently red, it could be due to overuse or strain, especially if you spend a lot of time in front of screens. However, persistent redness can also signal conditions like conjunctivitis, commonly known as pink eye, which is an inflammation or infection of the outer membrane of the eyeball and inner eyelid.

Red or bloodshot eyes can also result from allergies, dryness, or exposure to irritants like smoke or chemicals. In some cases, they might indicate a more serious problem such as glaucoma, a condition where increased pressure inside the eye can damage the optic nerve. If you experience other symptoms such as blurred vision or pain along with redness, it’s crucial to seek professional advice.

Yellowing of the Eyes

Yellow eyes are a sign that should not be ignored. This discolouration often points to a condition known as jaundice, where the whites of the eyes take on a yellow hue due to high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow substance produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells, and if the liver isn’t functioning properly, bilirubin can build up in the body and cause yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Jaundice can indicate liver disease, hepatitis, or other conditions that affect the liver or gallbladder. If you notice this symptom, it's important to consult with a healthcare provider as soon as possible. Yellowing of the eyes can also occur in babies, and while it’s usually harmless in newborns, it still warrants a check-up to rule out any serious issues.

Dry and Gritty Eyes

Dry eyes are a common problem that can be caused by environmental factors, like wind or air conditioning, or lifestyle habits such as prolonged use of digital screens. However, persistent dryness and a gritty sensation could be a sign of dry eye syndrome, a condition where your eyes don’t produce enough tears, or the quality of the tears is insufficient to keep your eyes moist and comfortable.

If left untreated, dry eye syndrome can lead to more serious complications such as inflammation, corneal ulcers, and even vision loss in extreme cases. This condition can also be a symptom of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or Sjögren’s syndrome, so it’s important to address it with an eye care professional if symptoms persist.

Blurred Vision

Blurred vision is a symptom that can arise suddenly or develop over time. It might indicate a problem with your prescription glasses or contact lenses, but it can also be a warning sign of more serious health issues. If you experience sudden or recurring blurriness, it could be related to conditions such as diabetes or hypertension, both of which can damage the blood vessels in your eyes.

Diabetic retinopathy, for example, occurs when high blood sugar levels cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, potentially leading to vision loss if not managed properly. Blurred vision can also be a symptom of cataracts, where the lens of the eye becomes clouded, or of macular degeneration, which affects the central part of your vision. If you notice your vision becoming less clear, seek advice from an optician or eye care professional as soon as possible.

Dark Circles and Puffiness

While dark circles and puffiness around the eyes are often attributed to lack of sleep or stress, they can sometimes signal underlying health concerns. Persistent puffiness could indicate fluid retention, which might be related to kidney or thyroid issues. Allergies can also cause dark circles and puffiness, often referred to as “allergic shiners.”

If the skin around your eyes appears swollen or changes colour without any apparent reason, consider speaking to a healthcare provider. Lifestyle changes like getting more sleep, reducing salt intake, and addressing allergies can help, but persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a professional.

Pain or Discomfort in the Eyes

Eye pain should never be ignored, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms such as light sensitivity, redness, or visual disturbances. Sharp or throbbing pain could be a sign of a serious condition like uveitis, an inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, or acute glaucoma, which is a medical emergency.

Chronic eye pain can also indicate dry eye syndrome, especially if it feels like there is something stuck in your eye. Persistent discomfort might even be linked to neurological conditions like migraines, where the pain originates from behind the eye. If you experience any kind of pain that does not resolve on its own within a day or two, it’s best to consult a specialist.

Sensitivity to Light

Sensitivity to light, known as photophobia, can cause discomfort when exposed to bright lights and can be linked to several different eye conditions. It can be as simple as needing a new prescription, but it may also be associated with more serious issues like corneal abrasion, uveitis, or meningitis.

People with migraines often experience photophobia as one of their symptoms. If light sensitivity is severe or accompanied by headaches, nausea, or vision changes, it’s important to get evaluated by a healthcare provider. Even if the underlying cause isn’t serious, light sensitivity can interfere with daily activities and should be addressed.

Changes in Eye Appearance

Any sudden or unusual change in the appearance of your eyes should be taken seriously. This includes bulging eyes, which can be a symptom of thyroid eye disease, or a drooping eyelid, which might indicate nerve damage or a condition like myasthenia gravis. An irregularly shaped pupil or a pupil that doesn’t respond to light could suggest nerve issues or neurological disorders.

If you notice a growth or lump on your eyelid or in your eye, it could be something benign like a stye, but it could also indicate a more serious condition such as a tumour. Changes in eye colour, particularly if only one eye is affected, should also be evaluated promptly.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you experience any of the symptoms discussed above, it’s important not to ignore them. Early detection and treatment are crucial for maintaining good eye health and preventing more serious conditions. Regular eye examinations with a qualified optician are the best way to keep your eyes healthy and catch any problems before they become more significant.

At the first sign of any changes in your eyes or vision, schedule an appointment with an optician or eye care professional. They can perform a thorough examination, provide you with an accurate diagnosis, and recommend appropriate treatments, glasses, lenses or lifestyle adjustments. Taking care of your eyes today can protect your vision and overall health for years to come.