Yellow sclera

If the entire sclera of the eye turns yellow, it is a sign that the liver, gallbladder, or pancreas are not working properly, causing jaundice to develop.

Inflammation of the whites and dry eyes

These are common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Dry eyes are also seen in Sjögren's syndrome, lupus, and vitamin A deficiency, as the eyes cannot produce the right amount of moisture when deficient.

Blood between the clear mucous membrane of the eye and the sclera

Blood in the eye appears due to a rupture of a blood vessel in the white of the eye. It can be caused by high blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, or atherosclerosis, which makes the blood vessels fragile. Hypertension can also be suspected by another sign — a "slight swelling" in the eye. If the blood pressure stays above normal for a long time, the retinal arteries can strain and cause the eye to bulge. Subconjunctival hemorrhage can also result from a clotting disorder.

A ring around the iris of the eye

A white, grayish-white, or bluish ring around the cornea is a sign of high cholesterol levels. This symptom is more common after the age of 50 but can be seen in young people with very high LDL.

Brown spot on the sclera

If a brown spot has appeared on the sclera of one of the eyes, it is not a cosmetic defect, but most likely a primary acquired melanosis. In the absence of treatment, the spot can grow into a malignant tumor.

Yellow tubercles on the eyelids

Yellowish-colored bumps (xanthelasma) are more often formed on the upper eyelid at the inner corner of the eye. They indicate high cholesterol, severe atherosclerosis, or risk of myocardial infarction. Xanthelasma is characteristic of the elderly, especially women.

Eyelid drooping

Eyelid drooping in one or both eyes is often the first symptom of myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune disease that leads to weakened muscles and rapid fatigue. Myasthenia gravis is also accompanied by double vision.

Protruding eyeballs and retracted eyelids

These are characteristic signs of thyroid disease when the thyroid gland produces too many or too few hormones. Sometimes the condition is accompanied by dry eyes and blurred vision.

Inflammation of the iris

This is the most common symptom of sarcoidosis. In this disease, there is also severe light sensitivity, blurred vision, pain in the eye socket, swelling, and changes in the iris pattern.

Burst blood vessels on the surface of the eye

Burst blood vessels, as well as severe hemorrhaging, can occur with sickle cell anemia, a genetic blood disorder.

Other symptoms

Loss of side vision, double vision, or changes in pupil size indicate a possible brain tumor. Also, loss of side vision may be a symptom of brain damage caused by a stroke. Photophobia and severe intermittent eye pain may be signs of Lyme disease. Severe blurred vision, painful eye movements, or double vision are indicative of multiple sclerosis.

Don't panic

Of course, these symptoms don't mean you definitely have one of the above diseases. But if you notice any of the above at an ophthalmologist's appointment or just standing in front of a mirror, it is worth seeing a specialist and getting checked out.

05 February 2024