At first glance, it may seem that an ophthalmologist is able to diagnose only eye diseases, but in reality the situation is somewhat different. For example, during a routine examination of the fundus and the external condition of the eyes, a specialist can easily identify a number of problems associated with the general condition of the body. How and which ones - we figured out together with the leading ophthalmologist-surgeon of the highest category, the head of the "SPEKTR Ophthalmological Clinic" Arseniy Aleksandrovich Kozhukhov.
A special microscope (the same slit lamp) on which the eye is examined, due to high magnification and special illumination, makes it possible to examine in detail the surface of the conjunctiva, cornea and eyelids, optical media of the eye, fundus of the eye, blood vessels and the optic nerve. At the same time, medicine has long known that their condition can tell a lot about the internal processes taking place in the body, including diseases and pathologies. So it will not be difficult for an experienced doctor to understand and detect your problem in the eyes.
Vascular damage
Typical pathological signs on the retina (hemorrhages, microaneurysms, damage to small blood vessels) can be symptoms of diabetes mellitus, one of the most formidable diseases of our time, which is sometimes first detected during a routine examination of the fundus by an ophthalmologist.
Edema
The condition of the eye can also determine arterial hypertension (high blood pressure). If blood pressure is often and strongly increased, occluded small vessels, retinal edema, and thrombosis of large vessels can be seen in the fundus.
Redness
Reddened and mildly puffy eyes and eyelids usually indicate an allergic reaction or inflammation, the cause of which is best identified as soon as possible.
Pigmentation
The most obvious sign - yellowed whites of the eyes that show through the mucous membrane of the eye - often speaks of problems with the liver, gallbladder, and possible jaundice. It can also signal the development of hepatitis.
It is worth paying attention to the color of the eyes: its change or the appearance of a dark age spot can signal the development of melanoma, one of the most dangerous cancers.
Blurred vision
It should be noted that visual impairment is not always associated with problems exclusively within the eye. There are cases when the optic nerve stops functioning normally due to the susceptibility of the nervous system to diseases such as multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain neoplasms. So in this case, it is better to play it safe and undergo additional examination.
At the same time, visual impairments can themselves become the causes of poor health and a number of diseases. For example, with high farsightedness or accommodation spasm, a person often experiences severe headaches. If there is a large difference in vision in both eyes, especially in childhood, squint may occur. Such situations require the selection and wearing of glasses, contact lenses, laser vision correction, or surgical treatment.
PS
Of course, all of the above is not a guarantee that you are at risk of developing this or that disease, so you should not panic ahead of time. It is important to remember that when changes in vision and the external condition of the eyes that bother you appear, you should immediately contact an ophthalmologist, get tested and undergo all the necessary examinations.
About the expert:
Arseny Alexandrovich Kozhukhov
Photo: Getty Images
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