When you think about the health of your eyes, you probably consider factors such as age, genetics and diet.

However, it may come as a surprise to learn that your eyes can offer important clues about your overall health, including the presence of chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer and AIDS.

Diabetes and Your Eyes

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects how your body processes glucose, or blood sugar. Over time, high blood sugar levels can damage organs throughout your body, including your eyes.

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that occurs when high blood sugar levels cause damage to the blood vessels in your retina.

The retina is the part of your eye that senses light and sends signals to your brain, allowing you to see. When the blood vessels in your retina become damaged, they can leak fluid, which can affect your vision.

In some cases, abnormal blood vessels can grow in the retina, which can lead to scarring and even blindness.

Diabetic retinopathy often has no early symptoms, which is why it’s important for people with diabetes to have regular eye exams. Your eye doctor can detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy, which can be treated before vision loss occurs.

Cancer and Your Eyes

Cancer can affect various parts of the eye, including the eyelids, conjunctiva, iris, retina, and the tissues that surround the eye. Some of the most common eye cancers include:.

Retinoblastoma: a rare cancer that affects the retina, typically in young children
Melanoma: a type of cancer that can occur in the iris, ciliary body, or choroid (the layer of blood vessels beneath the retina)
Squamous cell carcinoma: a type of cancer that can occur on the eyelids or surface of the eye
Lymphoma: a cancer of the immune system that can affect the eye and surrounding tissue

Eye cancers can cause a range of symptoms, depending on the location and size of the tumor. Some common symptoms include:.

Changes in vision, such as blurriness, double vision, or loss of vision
Pain or discomfort in the eye
Redness or inflammation of the eye
Lumps or bumps on the eyelid

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see an eye doctor right away. Early detection and treatment can improve your chances of a successful outcome.

AIDS and Your Eyes

AIDS is a chronic viral infection that attacks the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight off illnesses and infections. AIDS can affect various parts of your body, including your eyes.

One of the most common eye conditions associated with AIDS is called cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis.

CMV is a common virus that can cause symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and sore throat. In people with AIDS, CMV can also cause damage to the retina, leading to vision loss. If left untreated, CMV retinitis can eventually cause blindness.

Other eye conditions associated with AIDS include:.

Herpes simplex keratitis: a viral infection that affects the cornea and can cause vision loss
Kaposi’s sarcoma: a type of cancer that can affect the eye and surrounding tissue
HIV retinopathy: damage to the retina caused by HIV infection

If you have AIDS, it’s important to see an eye doctor regularly to monitor your eye health and catch any potential problems early.