When was the last time you saw your eye doctor? If you do not wear glasses, expecting you to schedule a visit with an ophthalmologist is like hoping you will clear your gym bag every once in a while. But checking the number on your glasses should not be the only reason why you should see an eye doctor. Your eyes can reveal so much more about your health than how well you read the tiny characters in your favourite novel.

1. Risk of Diabetes

An eye routine exam can detect the early signs of diabetes. Blurry vision can point to type 2 diabetes apart from hinting that you need corrective lenses. High blood sugar puts a strain on your blood vessels that can manifest in your eyes and even lead to blindness. Eye Care For Winters: Some Tips to Prevent Dry Eyes in The Cold Season

2. Thyroid Problems

When your thyroid is overactive, it leads to an autoimmune condition which leads to dry eye, blurry vision or pain when you move your eyes. If you are not dealing with the classic symptoms of hyperthyroidism like high blood pressure, weight loss and racing heartbeat, sometimes the symptoms of thyroid can be detected through an eye exam.

3. Your Risk Of Heart Attack

The retinal blood vessels are often the first in the body to show signs of high blood pressure and blood cholesterol. The retinal blood vessels are the only ones that you can observe without invasive medical testing like surgery or dyes. Blindness Causes: 5 Unexpected Things That Can Make You Go Blind

4. Signs of Cancer

When cancer has spread to other parts of the body, it can also often appear in the eyes. Look out for abnormal lesions within structures of the eye like the uvea. Immediately see the doctor if you complain of eye pain or blurry vision. Weird Eye Symptoms That Could Signal a Serious Health Problem

5. An Autoimmune Condition

If your eyes feel sandpapery after staring at your screen, the discomfort could signal something more than just dry eyes. Specific allergies or environmental factors may be the cause, but it can also be a sign of rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. You must see a doctor if you are experiencing flare-ups of other symptoms like fatigue and muscle ache.

If you notice white spots on your cornea, it could just be an infection from the lens. And if your eyes are red and puffy, it might just be a sign that you need more sleep.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 21, 2020 12:52 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).