Intro paragraph:

Spending long hours on screens, reading, or doing detailed work can strain your eyes, causing fatigue, dryness, and discomfort. Eye relaxation exercises are simple techniques that help reduce strain, improve focus, and maintain healthy vision. Incorporating these exercises into your daily routine can benefit anyone who spends time on digital devices or performs close-up work.

---

Why Eye Relaxation Exercises Are Important

• Reduce eye fatigue and headaches

• Improve focus and visual comfort

• Promote better eye coordination and flexibility

• Help prevent long-term strain-related issues

Even a few minutes a day can make a noticeable difference.

---

Simple Eye Relaxation Exercises

1. The 20-20-20 Rule

• Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds

• Allows eye muscles to relax and reduces fatigue from prolonged near focus

2. Palming

• Rub your hands together to create warmth

• Gently cup your palms over closed eyes without pressing

• Hold for 30–60 seconds while breathing deeply

• Helps relax eye muscles and reduce tension

3. Eye Rolling

• Slowly roll your eyes in a circular motion, clockwise and then counterclockwise

• Repeat 5–10 times

• Improves flexibility of eye muscles and relieves tension

4. Focus Shifting

• Hold a pen or small object at arm’s length

• Focus on the object for a few seconds, then shift focus to something farther away

• Repeat 10 times

• Strengthens your eye’s ability to switch focus comfortably

5. Blinking Exercises

• Blink intentionally every few seconds for 1–2 minutes

• Helps lubricate eyes and prevent dryness, especially during screen use

6. Near-to-Far Viewing

• Look at something close (like your thumb) for 10 seconds

• Then focus on a distant object for 10 seconds

• Repeat 5–10 times

• Relieves strain from prolonged close-up work

---

Tips for Maintaining Eye Comfort

• Adjust screen brightness and contrast to match ambient light

• Use proper ergonomics while working at computers

• Take short breaks away from screens throughout the day

• Stay hydrated to maintain eye moisture

---

Conclusion

Eye relaxation exercises are a simple, effective way to reduce eye strain and maintain visual comfort. By incorporating these techniques into your daily routine, you can relieve fatigue, protect your vision, and improve overall eye health.

For personalized guidance on eye exercises and vision care, you can book an appointment with an eye specialist here.

Sleep is a fundamental aspect of our overall health, impacting everything from our physical well-being to our mental clarity. One of the most critical yet often overlooked connections is the relationship between sleep and vision. Understanding how these two elements intersect can help you appreciate the importance of good sleep hygiene for maintaining optimal eye health and vision. In this blog, we’ll explore how sleep affects vision, the impact of sleep disorders on eye health, and tips for promoting better sleep for healthier eyes.

1. The Importance of Sleep for Eye Health

a. Restoration and Repair

During sleep, our body undergoes vital restorative processes. This includes the eyes, which require time to recuperate from the day’s activities. Here’s how sleep contributes to eye health:

• Cell Repair: Sleep allows for the repair of damaged cells in the eyes, including those in the cornea and retina. This repair process is essential for maintaining healthy vision.
• Nutrient Distribution: The eyes require various nutrients to function properly. Sleep facilitates the efficient distribution of these nutrients throughout the body, including the eyes.

b. Tear Production

Adequate sleep is crucial for the production of tears. The tear film is essential for keeping the eyes moist and preventing dryness. Insufficient sleep can lead to a decrease in tear production, resulting in dry eye symptoms, discomfort, and even vision problems.

2. The Impact of Sleep Disorders on Vision

a. Sleep Apnea

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. This can lead to significant drops in oxygen levels, affecting various organs, including the eyes. Individuals with sleep apnea may experience:

• Increased Risk of Eye Conditions: Research has shown a correlation between sleep apnea and an increased risk of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and other eye diseases.
• Vision Problems: The intermittent lack of oxygen can lead to problems such as blurred vision or temporary vision loss.

b. Insomnia

Chronic insomnia can affect visual performance and increase the risk of accidents due to impaired focus and attention. Some studies suggest that insufficient sleep may lead to:

• Visual Disturbances: Sleep deprivation can cause visual disturbances such as double vision or difficulty focusing.
• Reduced Contrast Sensitivity: Lack of sleep can impair contrast sensitivity, making it harder to see objects against backgrounds, which is especially crucial for driving or night-time activities.

c. Other Sleep Disorders

Other sleep disorders, such as restless leg syndrome or narcolepsy, can also indirectly impact vision by causing fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and increased eye strain.

3. The Connection Between Eye Movements and Sleep

a. Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep

During REM sleep, the eyes move rapidly under closed eyelids, and this stage of sleep is associated with vivid dreaming. This phase is crucial for mental health, learning, and memory consolidation. Interestingly, the rapid eye movements during REM sleep are thought to be linked to visual processing and could play a role in maintaining healthy vision.

b. Sleep and Visual Processing

Research suggests that sleep plays a role in visual processing and memory. During sleep, especially during REM, the brain processes and organizes visual information encountered throughout the day. This consolidation can improve visual perception and the ability to recognize patterns, ultimately benefiting tasks that require sharp vision.

4. Tips for Improving Sleep to Enhance Vision

Maintaining a good sleep routine can significantly benefit your eye health and overall well-being. Here are some practical tips:

a. Establish a Sleep Schedule

• Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night and try to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day, even on weekends.

b. Create a Relaxing Bedtime Routine

• Engage in calming activities before bed, such as reading, meditation, or gentle stretching, to signal to your body that it’s time to wind down.

c. Limit Screen Time Before Bed

• The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with your sleep cycle. Try to avoid screens for at least an hour before bedtime.

d. Maintain a Comfortable Sleep Environment

• Ensure your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool. Consider blackout curtains, eye masks, or white noise machines if necessary.

e. Stay Active During the Day

• Regular physical activity can help improve sleep quality. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days.

5. Conclusion

The intersection of sleep and vision highlights the importance of prioritizing restful sleep for maintaining healthy eyes and optimal vision. The restorative processes that occur during sleep play a critical role in repairing and nourishing the eyes. Conversely, sleep disorders can lead to various vision problems and increase the risk of eye diseases. By adopting healthy sleep habits, you can support your eye health and overall well-being, ensuring that your vision remains sharp and clear for years to come. Prioritize your sleep—it’s essential for both your mind and your eyes!

Night driving can present unique challenges, including glare from headlights, reduced visibility, and difficulty focusing. For many drivers, wearing the right eyewear can make a significant difference in comfort and safety on the road after dark. Here’s what you need to know about night driving glasses, including their benefits, features, and considerations.

1. What Are Night Driving Glasses?

Night driving glasses are specially designed eyewear that aims to enhance visibility and reduce glare when driving at night. They often feature specific lens technologies and coatings that can help improve overall vision in low-light conditions.

2. Benefits of Night Driving Glasses

• Reduced Glare: One of the primary benefits of night driving glasses is their ability to minimize glare from oncoming headlights and streetlights, which can be particularly distracting at night.
• Improved Contrast: These glasses may enhance contrast, helping drivers to see better in dim lighting. This is especially important for recognizing pedestrians, animals, or road signs.
• Increased Comfort: By reducing glare and enhancing visibility, night driving glasses can make nighttime driving more comfortable, helping to alleviate eye strain and fatigue.

3. Lens Features to Look For

When shopping for night driving glasses, consider the following lens features:

• Anti-Reflective Coating: This coating reduces reflections on the lens surface, minimizing glare from headlights and streetlights. It allows more light to pass through, enhancing clarity and vision.
• Yellow or Amber Tinted Lenses: Many night driving glasses feature yellow or amber-tinted lenses. These tints can improve contrast and depth perception in low-light conditions by filtering out blue light, which is often responsible for glare.
• Photochromic Lenses: Some night driving glasses come with photochromic lenses that adjust their tint based on light conditions. While these are primarily designed for daytime use, they can help transition from bright light to low-light conditions.
• Polarization: Polarized lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces such as wet roads. However, they may not be as effective in nighttime driving as they are in daytime conditions.

4. Who Should Consider Night Driving Glasses?

Night driving glasses may benefit several groups of people:

• Older Adults: As we age, our eyes may become more sensitive to glare, making night driving more challenging. Night driving glasses can help improve comfort and safety.
• Drivers with Vision Impairments: Individuals with specific vision problems, such as cataracts or astigmatism, may find night driving glasses beneficial for enhancing visibility in low-light conditions.
• Frequent Night Drivers: If you regularly drive at night for work or leisure, investing in a good pair of night driving glasses can improve your overall experience.

5. Limitations of Night Driving Glasses

While night driving glasses can offer benefits, they are not a cure-all for vision problems. Consider these limitations:

• Not a Substitute for Corrective Lenses: If you wear prescription glasses, you should still wear them while driving, even with night driving glasses FishandSpins. Night driving glasses should be used in addition to your regular eyewear.
• Personal Sensitivity: Some people may find that tinted lenses do not improve their night vision and might even hinder it. It's essential to try on different styles and tints to see what works best for you.
• Not a Replacement for Eye Care: If you experience persistent difficulties while driving at night, consult an eye care professional. There may be underlying issues that need to be addressed, such as refractive errors or other eye conditions.

6. Tips for Safe Night Driving

In addition to wearing night driving glasses, here are some tips for safer driving at night:

• Keep Your Windshield Clean: A clean windshield reduces glare and improves visibility. Use a good-quality glass cleaner to keep your windshield spotless.
• Adjust Your Headlights: Ensure your headlights are properly aligned to avoid blinding other drivers while maximizing your own visibility.
• Take Breaks: If you're feeling fatigued while driving at night, take breaks as needed to rest your eyes.
• Limit Distractions: Avoid using your phone or engaging in other distractions while driving to maintain focus on the road.

Conclusion

Night driving glasses can be a valuable tool for improving comfort and safety when driving after dark. By reducing glare, enhancing contrast, and increasing overall visibility, they can help make nighttime driving a more pleasant experience. If you frequently drive at night, consider investing in a pair of quality night driving glasses, and consult with your eye care professional for personalized recommendations tailored to your vision needs. Safe travels!

Many people have an occasional eye twitch, especially when they are tired or have had a lot of caffeine. Frequent eye twitching is fairly uncommon. Anyone can have eye twitching, but it is more common in middle-aged and elderly women

What is Eye Twitching?

Eye twitching is the involuntary, spontaneous contraction among the fine muscles of the eyelid. Typically, these muscle spasms are localized to the lower eyelid, but can occur in either eye or both. In most cases, minor eye twitching resolves as spontaneously as it begun and isn’t associated with any disease. However, minor eye twitching can be hard to treat since there’s only one way to end it: figure out the cause and deal with it appropriately.

How can I stop eye twitching?

To stop your eyelid twitching, figure out what the possible causes might be.

Sometimes, making minor changes to your diet and lifestyle can significantly reduce your risk of eye twitching or help make an eyelid twitch disappear.

Let's review the causes of eye twitching and the possible solutions:

Stress

Stress is probably the most common cause of eye twitching. Yoga, breathing exercises, spending time with friends or pets and getting more down time into your schedule are ways to reduce stress that may be causing your eyelid twitch.

Fatigue

Lack of sleep, whether because of stress or some other reason, can trigger eye twitching. Catching up on your sleep and having a consistent sleep schedule can help.

Eye strain

Eye strain — particularly digital eye strain from overuse of computers, tablets and smartphones — also is a common cause of eyelid twitching.

Follow the "20-20-20 rule" when using digital devices: Every 20 minutes, look away from your screen and allow your eyes to focus on a distant object (at least 20 feet away) for 20 seconds or longer. This reduces fatigue that may trigger eye twitching.

Also, ask your eye doctor about computer eyeglasses to relieve digital eye strain.

Caffeine

Too much caffeine can trigger eye twitching. Try cutting back on coffee, tea and soft drinks (or switch to decaffeinated versions) for a week or two and see if your eye twitching disappears.

Alcohol

If you experience eye twitching after drinking beer, wine or liquor, take a break from the booze, since alcohol consumption may cause eyelids to twitch.

Dry eyes

Many adults experience dry eyes, especially after age 50. Dry eyes also are very common among people who use computers, take certain medications (especially antihistamines and some antidepressants), wear contact lenses and consume caffeine and/or alcohol.

If you have a twitching eyelid and your eyes feel gritty or dry, consult your eye doctor for an evaluation. Restoring moisture to the surface of your eye may stop the twitching and decrease the risk of twitching in the future.

Nutrition problems

Some reports suggest a lack of certain nutritional elements, such as magnesium, can trigger eyelid spasms. Although these reports are not conclusive, this may be another possible cause of eye twitching.

If you are concerned that your diet may not be supplying all the nutrients you need for healthy vision, discuss this with your eye doctor before purchasing over-the-counter nutritional supplements.

Allergies

People with eye allergies can have itching, swelling and watery eyes. Rubbing your eyes because of allergy symptoms releases histamine into your eyelid tissues and tear film, which may cause eye twitching.

Sometimes, over-the-counter eye drops formulated to reduce allergy symptoms can be helpful, but antihistamines in these drops can cause dry eyes.

It's best to consult your eye doctor to make sure you're doing the right thing for your eyes if you experience allergy symptoms and eye twitching.

When to see an eye doctor

See an eye doctor immediately if you experience persistent eye twitching, sudden changes in appearance or movement of half your face (including your eyelids), or if both eyelids clamp down so tight it's impossible to open your eyes. These can be signs of a serious condition.

If your eye twitching doesn't go away, it could signal a serious neurological condition affecting the eyelid — such as blepharospasm or hemifacial spasm.

These relatively rare conditions are more obvious and severe than common eye twitching and should be evaluated immediately by an eye doctor.

Sources:

1. Why is My Eye Twitching?
2. Eye twitching: 8 causes and treatments

If you wear contact lenses, it’s likely you’ve occasionally been guilty of wearing contacts too long. Whether it happens because your workday rolls into a long night out, you don’t have a spare pair, or you just plain forget you’re wearing them in the first place – it’s bound to happen.

And, as a contact lens wearer, you know that it’s not a good thing to overwear them, or sleep in them. But do you know why it’s not healthy for your eyes?

Let’s break it down.

A Brief History of the Contact Lens

It’s hard to believe, but the first contact lens was invented in the 1800s. Even more impressive, it’s believed that the great Leonardo Da Vinci inspired this invention from drawings he did of human eye optics back in 1508!

Early contact lenses were nowhere near the comfortable models we have today. In fact, they starved the eye of oxygen so badly, they could only be worn on the eyeball for a few hours at a time.

In 1936, a lighter type of contact lens was introduced, but it wasn’t until 1948 that the first contact lenses resembling modern “gas permeable lenses” made an appearance. Then in 1959, the first “soft” hydrogel contact lenses hit the market. Today, more than 90 percent of contact lenses prescribed are soft lenses.¹

How Does Contact Lens Overwear Affect Vision?

As contact lenses have become more popular for vision correction, and lenses themselves have become vastly more comfortable, more people are choosing to wear them. But while contact lenses are wonderfully convenient, if not used correctly, big problems can result.

You see, wearing contact lenses for too long can cause irritated eyes, eye infections, and even permanent damage to your eyes.

Symptoms of Wearing Contacts Too Long

Eye irritation can be just that – irritating – or it could be the sign of a much more serious eye issue.

Here are the initial symptoms of eye irritation or infection:

• Unusually red eyes
• Itchy or gritty eyes
• Eye discomfort
• Excessively watery eyes
• Eye pain
• Blurred vision
• Sensitivity to light
• Swelling
• Eye ulcers²

Interestingly, many of these problems begin because the eye becomes “oxygen-starved.” Though today’s lenses are “breathable,” this can only be maintained for a limited period of time. They aren’t meant to be worn indefinitely.

An optometrist can further advise on how to treat the issue depending on your specific situation. However, you are usually advised to stop wearing contacts temporarily. An examination of the eye will be done to assess the degree of inflammation, and a topical medication or steroid, if any, will be recommended.

Once you get the okay from your optometrist to wear contacts again, it is important that a contact lens fitting and perhaps some additional instruction be carried out.

Serious Outcomes of Wearing Contacts Too Long

Eye irritation symptoms are only the beginning in some cases. Some serious eye conditions can be caused by overwear and/or bacteria from improper lens care:

• Corneal abrasions
• Corneal infections
• Corneal ulcers (open sores in the outer layer of the cornea)
• Eye infections, like conjunctivitis – usually seen as papillary conjunctivitis (an allergic reaction to the lens)
• More serious eye infections, like acanthamoeba keratitis, or fungal keratitis
• Impaired vision or a loss of vision^3,4

If you experience any symptoms of eye irritation or infection, including redness from inflamed blood vessels, you should remove your lenses and visit an eye professional. Don’t wear your lenses again until your ophthalmologist says it’s okay.

Does Sleeping in Contacts Cause Pain or Discomfort?

Sleeping in contacts is one of the worst things you can do, outside of not cleaning your lenses properly. And, according to the journal Ophthalmology, people who wear their contacts to bed are nearly seven times more likely to develop an eye infection.⁵

Forgetting to remove your lenses overnight can cause pain, discomfort, and irritation. But even worse, it could hurt your cornea.

You see, your cornea needs oxygen to function, and the contact lens acts as a barrier to this (even though it does have some breathability).

In some cases, if your eye doesn’t get enough oxygen, small blood vessels can begin to grow in the cornea in an attempt to get oxygen back to the area. This overgrowth of blood vessels, known as corneal neovascularization, is irreversible, and it can cause serious vision problems.⁶

What if You Accidentally Fall Asleep in Your Contacts?

If you wear contact lenses long enough, you might nod off while you’re still wearing them. If this happens, the smartest plan of attack is:

• Don’t immediately put your fingers to your eyes and pull your lenses out in bed –– your cornea will have swelled slightly, and you risk making it more susceptible to bacteria, especially if you haven’t washed your hands.
• Apply rewetting drops to add some moisture back in, and wait 5 minutes for any swelling to go down. Then, wash your hands thoroughly, and carefully remove the lenses.
• Don’t forget to clean your lenses thoroughly if they’re not daily disposable lenses.
• Don’t wear your contacts for a day, so that your eyes can get a good dose of oxygen.⁷

How Long Should I Wear My Contact Lenses?

It’s best to ask your eye doctor how long you should wear your contact lenses, as it does depend on the type of contact lenses you wear. Follow your eye doctor’s advice to the letter.

Never try to get extra wear out of your lenses to save money. It just isn’t worth the risk to your eye health.

The CDC has also recognized the importance of teaching people about the consequences of improper contact lens use. They’ve started a campaign to remind people of the importance of regularly changing their lenses.

Which Lens Materials Are Best Suited for Avoiding Eye Infections?

The main types of contact lenses are:

• Soft Contact Lenses (also known as hydrogel lenses) are the most common lens worn today. They are made of soft plastic polymers and water. Oxygen can easily filter through the lens material to the cornea, so they are very comfortable.
• Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses are not old-school hard lenses. In fact, they actually allow more oxygen to your cornea than soft lenses. And, because they’re more rigid, they can offer sharper vision. This type of lens is also more durable, and proteins don’t stick to them as easily – making them easier to clean. The only downside? They’re not quite as comfortable as soft contact lenses.⁸

Both of these lens types are good for your eyes. However, both have the ability to cause eye infections if used incorrectly. The contact lens material is irrelevant when it comes to eye infections; it’s all about proper use and handling.

After being prescribed contact lenses, a follow-up appointment with your optometrist is always a good idea, so you can both learn about what works best for your eyes.

Which Eye Drops Work Best for Relief from Eye Irritation?

Eye drops can be an effective way to ease the discomfort of minor eye irritation caused by wearing contact lenses. You will want:

• Lubricating eye drops for dry eye
• Decongestant eye drops for redness
• Antihistamine eye drops for allergy-induced redness
• Rewetting drops for use against “dry eye” while wearing contact lenses
• Prescription drops prescribed by your eye doctor for eye infections⁹

If you are suffering from unexpected eye irritation, it’s important to visit an eye care professional for a check-up.

Eye Care Safety – Minimize the Risks

Contact lens wearers need to be aware that though lenses are a wonderful invention, they do require proper eye care safety every time you use them.

You should always wash your hands with soap and water (and dry with a lint-free towel) before touching your eyes or eyelids to prevent bacteria from entering the eyes. The lens surface should always be cleaned properly and stored in a proper contact lens case with an approved solution.

If you’re not sure how to clean your contacts, ask your eye doctor for help.

Choosing between glasses or contacts doesn’t have to be a decision, either. Wearing glasses some of the time is one of the best things contact wearers can do to help their eyes breathe.

Sources:

1. Can Contacts Hurt Your Eyes

As America's population ages overall, the number of people with eye conditions and disease will increase. Currently the number of us dealing with vision problems is already staggering. If you're coping with vision problems, you're not alone.

• According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, Nearly 1.3 million Americans forty and older are legally blind. About 8% of men and 0.5% of women with Northern European ancestry have the most common form of color blindness. The incidence is lower in almost all other populations.
• Cataracts impact more than 24.4 million Americans age forty and older, almost twice the number of people living in Pennsylvania. About half of all Americans will have cataracts by the time they reach 75.
• Glaucoma affects more than 2.7 million Americans age forty and older.
• Each year about 2.4 million eye injuries happen in the US. Use of protective eyewear can prevent 90% of eye injuries. More than a third of all such injuries happen to those 18 to 45 years old and common household products result in 125,000 eye injuries each year. About 2,000 eye injuries happen at work every day. About 10% to 20% will lead to temporary or permanent vision loss. The most common work-related eye injuries involve a foreign body in the eye (35%), followed by open wounds and contusions (about 25% each) with the rest burns.
• Nearly 2.1 million Americans age fifty and older have late age-related macular degeneration (AMD), when severe vision impairment can occur. About, 9.1 million Americans had early AMD in 2010. By eighty years of age, ten percent of Americans have late stage AMD, which is more common in women than in men.
• Diabetic retinopathy affects nearly 7.7 million Americans forty and older. Currently more than 29 million Americans have the condition and more than a quarter (8.1 million) are unaware they are diabetic.
• There were 48,229 corneal transplants done in the US in 2013. More than 1,000,000 people since 1961 have had their sight restored thanks to corneal transplants.
• Nearly a million eye infections result in visits to a doctor or hospital annually, many of them contact lens-related.
• More than 150 million Americans, or nearly half the population, use corrective eyewear to compensate for vision problems. We spend more than $15 billion annually on eyewear. About 37 million Americans use contact lenses and as of 2010 there were about 800,000 refractive surgical procedures
• There are 19,216 active ophthalmologists in the United States.

Around the world

• Globally, around 223 million people are blind or vision impaired.
• Another, 517 million people globally are vision impaired because of uncorrected refractive error from Presbyopia.
• Around 80 percent of all blindness and vision impairment globally is avoidable or treatable.
• There are approximately 213,459 ophthalmologists worldwide.

Do your best not to become a statistic. Get regular eye exams. If there's something wrong with your vision, let us know, so we can diagnose the problems and address it. If you work in an environment with dust, particles or chemicals that may threaten your vision, use protective eye wear.

Your vision is critical to your quality of life, your ability to work and safely get from one place to another. Don't take it for granted. Work with us to protect your vision. Contact Golden Eye Optometry at (760)-948-3345 or fill out our contact form so we can talk about what you can do to keep your sight healthy for as long as possible and about how we can work together to protect your sight.

Sources:

1. Eye health by numbers
2. Eye Health Statistics - American Academy of Ophthalmology

Did you know that an eye exam can be as effective as a physical in determining your health? Unfortunately, many Americans put off going to the eye doctor if they feel like their vision has not changed. Comprehensive eye exams are important for many reasons. Your eyesight may change very gradually over time, and you may not even know that you need a stronger prescription. Your eye doctor will also perform several tests during the eye examination that will rule out eye disorders such as glaucoma, cataracts or retinal problems.

Hosts of the hit TV show ‘The Doctors’ share surprising information about what your eye doctor might discover about your blood pressure, cancer and more.

The importance of regular eye exams

Blood pressure? Check. Weight? Check. Pee in a cup? Check. Seeing an eye doctor regularly?

Along with eye-related concerns, eye doctors may even be able to detect other health issues during a comprehensive eye exam. In fact, you may even find yourself leaving the eye doctor with a referral to another specialist because of a specific test that your ophthalmologist performed during your comprehensive eye exam. Here are just a few health issues that may be discovered during an eye exam:

Cancer

An eye exam may save your life. We can find everything from brain tumors to breast and lung cancers that have spread to the eye, says Joseph Pizzimenti, an optometrist and associate professor at Nova Southeastern University College of Optometry Eye Care Institute in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Certain types of bleeding in the retina can signal leukemia. Eye doctors can diagnose brain tumors based on changes in a patient’s field of vision. Malignant melanoma can strike in back of the eye, and patients often don’t know it is there unless the cancer is in the very center of their field of vision, Pizzimenti says.

Diabetes

One of the first clues for type 2 diabetes may be a small amount of bleeding in the retina, which is a symptom of diabetic retinopathy. “I see patients every day who have this damage and who haven’t yet been diagnosed with diabetes,” says Pizzimenti. Left untreated, the condition can lead to blindness, but managing it cuts this risk in half. When diabetic retinopathy is detected early, lifestyle changes such as eating healthier and losing weight can help prevent further damage.

High blood pressure

Blood vessel damage, including weakening and narrowing of the arteries, can signal high blood pressure, says Jessica Ciralsky, MD, assistant professor of ophthalmology at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City. Multiple large-scale studies have found links between heart disease and narrowing of small blood vessels in the retina, according to a paper in the American Journal of Medicine. These connections are particularly strong in people without traditional heart disease risk factors. When it comes to other body parts, these are the 10 surprising conditions your hands might predict.

Multiple sclerosis

Optic neuritis—inflammation of the optic nerve—can be a harbinger of MS, a degenerative disease of the nervous system, says Mitchell Munson, president of the American Optometric Association. Optic neuritis occurs in 75 percent of patients with MS and is the first symptom of the disease in up to 25 percent of cases. (A diagnosis of optic neuritis doesn’t automatically mean you have MS; it could also be the result of an infection or other causes.) “Patients with optic neuritis often have blurred vision, but I have diagnosed this in some people with no symptoms at all,” Munson says.

Rheumatoid arthritis

About 25 percent of RA patients have eye issues; dry eye is the most common. Another clue: “If a patient has two bouts of iritis—painful inflammation of the iris, or the colored part—in a year, or three in 18 months, we suspect rheumatoid arthritis,” Munson says. People with RA, an inflammatory disease that affects small joints in the hands and feet, have high levels of inflammatory chemicals in their blood.

Sources:

1. 6 Shocking Diseases That Eye Doctors Find First, Apr. 30, 2019
2. 7 Health Problems Eye Exams Can Detect