Keep an Eye on Your Eyes

The state of your peepers can reveal a lot about your health information. So, keep an eye on your eyes:

• Yellow eyes – Most eyes take on a yellow-brown tinge with age, though a diet high in fat and low in fruit and vegetables can make it worse. This won’t affect sight, but if it’s pronounced and affects the skin, it could be jaundice. See your doctor.

• Foggy sight – Could be an early sign of cataracts, opaque patches on the lens that are operable. Could also be glaucoma, pressure in the eye that can cause blindness if not picked up.

• Putty eyes – Usually mean something is irritating the eye, perhaps an allergy or water retention. Can occasionally signal a thyroid problem, in which case the neck may also swell.

• Flashing lights – Visual disturbances can be a sign of stress. But it can also be a warning of retinal detachment, so have an eye exam to rule that out.

• Double vision – Aside from alcohol or other drugs, a common cause is an untreated childhood squint. But if it appears in later life, it could signal multiple sclerosis, stroke, a tumor or some other disease.

• Blurring – Long and short sightedness and astigmatism can all cause this, so you may need glasses or a new prescription. But blurring can also be a symptom of high blood pressure or uncontrolled diabetes, or the beginnings of age-related macular degeneration. This comes to us all but can be slowed by talking a lutein supplement.

• Stye – A harmless infection forming a small, often painful abscess at the base of an eyelash or inside the eyelid. Will usually disappear on its own, but can be treated with antibiotic ointment.

• Floaters – Usually just a shadow cast by the natural proteins in your eye. But if you suddenly start seeing lots of they are colored, then it could signal bleeding or a torn retina.

• Aching eyes – Probably caused by working in front of a computer. Take regular breaks.

• Red, gritty eyes – Could be an infection or allergy, but it may be a trapped lash or a bit of make-up. You may need to see an optometrist.