When you get to know someone, one of the first things you look at is their eyes. Some people like blue eyes, others prefer green eyes. Yet eyes reveal much more than just their color. You can learn a lot about the health of the person in question just by looking at the eyes. Of course you can’t just draw conclusions. To get a definitive answer, you will of course have to see a doctor.
The construction of the eye
An eye consists of several parts. The pupil is in the center and around it is the iris. It can take on different colors such as blue, gray, green and brown. In addition, the white or hard sclera is also visible. The cornea lies on the iris and pupil and allows light to pass through.
Asymmetrical pupils
Pupils are normally always the same size and respond in the same way. Yet it happens that pupils are asymmetrical. This may indicate an increased risk for a heart attack, brain tumor or aneurysm. The latter is a dilation of part of the vascular system. If you notice this in yourself or someone in your immediate environment, it is advisable to consult a doctor.
Bloodshot eyes
In some people you can see the veins running very clearly through the white of the eye. For contact lens wearers, this can be the result of wearing contact lenses for too long, but it can also indicate high blood pressure. A visit to the doctor is also recommended here. Sometimes this also occurs in people with an allergy. The eyes are not only red, but they also itch. We are mainly thinking of allergies to dust, pollen and animal fur.
Yellow eyes
The white of the eye can not only look a lot redder, it can also turn yellow. This may indicate jaundice. This disease affects the liver and vitreous bladder. This can be detected immediately by means of a blood test.
Water eyes
With watery eyes there is a discharge that drains from the eyes. It can be either watery or sticky. If the discharge is watery, it is a viral infection. If it is rather sticky, then there is a bacterial infection. You can then get up in the morning with one eye that is completely stuck shut. The moisture has dried and makes it difficult to open your eye. You don’t have to see a doctor right away, but it’s also best not to deal with this problem for too long. For people with lenses, this problem can be caused by dirt or the wrong cleaning product.
Swollen eyes
The area around the eyes is red and swollen. It retains moisture. This may indicate fatigue. Catching up on some sleep will normally resolve this problem very quickly.
Dry eyes
Dry eyes can indicate Sjögren’s syndrome. This is a condition in which the mucous membranes of the mouth and eyes produce too little moisture due to chronic inflammation.
Gray border around cornea
If you see a gray arc at the top or bottom of the cornea, this is usually in older people. This is a deposit of fatty substances. We also call this arcus senilis. It mainly occurs in people with high cholesterol levels. The arc can become a full circle at a later stage. However, your (facial) field of vision is not affected by it.