When it comes to your health, your eyes can provide clues to various health issues that affect your body. These issues may range from chronic conditions to severe cases that need immediate medical attention.

By examining your eyes, your healthcare provider can detect and diagnose underlying health problems.

1. Blurred Vision

Blurry vision is a common symptom for many health issues, including diabetes. High blood sugar levels in diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, leading to blurry vision and vision loss if left untreated.

Other conditions that cause blurry vision include cataracts, macular degeneration, and glaucoma.

2. Yellow Eyes

Jaundice is a condition that occurs when your body has too much bilirubin, a yellowish pigment produced by the liver. When your liver is not working correctly, bilirubin builds up in the bloodstream, and your eyes can turn yellow.

This condition is easily spotted by your healthcare provider.

3. Red or Pink Eyes

Red or pink eyes can indicate several health issues, including inflammation, infection, allergy, and injury. Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is a common eye infection characterized by redness, itching, and discharge.

Other health issues that can cause red or pink eyes are dry eyes, blepharitis, and corneal ulcers.

4. Cloudy Eyes

Cataracts are the leading cause of blindness worldwide and affect millions of people each year. When your eye’s natural lens becomes cloudy, it affects your vision and can lead to blindness if left untreated.

Cataracts develop slowly and, in most cases, don’t cause pain, redness, or significant vision loss until they are severe. Your healthcare provider can detect cataracts during a routine eye exam.

5. Crossed or Misaligned Eyes

A misaligned eye or a lazy eye can indicate several health issues, including a nerve palsy, a brain tumor, or a stroke. A crossed or misaligned eye can also lead to double vision, headaches, and eye strain.

Your healthcare provider can diagnose and treat these issues during an eye exam.

6. Bulging Eyes

Bulging eyes, also known as proptosis, are a common symptom of thyroid eye disease. This autoimmune disease affects the muscles and tissues around the eyes, causing them to bulge forward.

Other health issues that can cause bulging eyes include tumors, infections, and inflammation.

7. Dry Eyes

Dry eyes are a common condition that occurs when your tears can’t provide sufficient lubrication for your eyes. Various factors can cause dry eyes, including aging, medications, hormonal changes, and environmental factors.

Symptoms of dry eyes include itching, burning, redness, and blurred vision.

8. Yellow Spots

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a condition that affects the macula, the central part of the retina that provides sharp, detailed vision.

As AMD progresses, it can cause yellowish spots in the center of your field of vision, making it harder to see fine details. If you notice any changes in your vision, consult your healthcare provider immediately.

9. Excessive Eye Discharge

If you notice excessive eye discharge, it could be a sign of an eye infection or an underlying condition. Eye discharge can be clear, yellow, or green, and can be accompanied by redness, itching, and swelling.

Your healthcare provider can determine the underlying cause and prescribe appropriate treatment.

10. Sudden Vision Loss

Sudden vision loss can be a severe health issue and requires immediate medical attention. Various factors can cause sudden vision loss, including stroke, retinal detachment, and a blockage in the blood vessels of the eye.

If you experience sudden vision loss, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency care immediately.