- By Bornika Das
- Tue, 29 Jul 2025 11:50 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
Eye Health Warning: Often referred to as the ‘windows to the soul,’ eyes are considered to be the mirror of overall health. They do more than just provide you with the sight, but reflect what is going on inside the body. Many people tend to overlook the changes in their vision or the appearance of their eyes, dismissing them as a result of ageing or fatigue. However, there are several subtle early warning signs of the eyes that indicate more serious underlying issues, ranging from hypertension, kidney diseases and others. Thus, it is important to recognise the early symptoms, which can help diagnose potentially serious health problems.
Ignoring the unusual eye changes can make you miss out on early signs of larger health problems. Many health-related diseases reflect the symptoms through the eyes, sometimes well before other parts of the body show any indication. By paying attention to these sudden vision changes, such as bulging, yellowing or unusual spots, demand timely medical intervention. Here are the seven warning signs that the eyes show about health.
What Your Eyes Are Trying To Tell You About Your Health?
Puffy Eyes
This is mostly associated with allergies, lack of sleep, excessive salt intake or crying. Chronic puffiness may also relate to thyroid problems like hypothyroidism, kidney disease or fluid retention.
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Dark Circles
This is one of the extreme common problems and is ignored most of the time. This can result from fatigue, allergies, genetics or thinning skin with age. They may occasionally be the early signs associated with anaemia or dehydration. Taking proper rest can often be helpful if the reason behind dark circles is stress.
Xanthelasma
It is often associated with yellowish cholesterol deposits near the eyelids. This condition is known as Xanthelasma. It indicates a high level or cholesterol or lipid disorders, which can raise the risk of heart diseases and other vascular problems
Bloodshot Eyes
This is mostly caused by allergies, infection (conjunctivitis), lack of sleep or excessive alcohol use. Often, these tiny blood vessels break beneath the surface of the eye, which makes the blood trapped and turns the white area of the eye red. Chronically bloodshot eyes might signal inflammation or underlying autoimmune or systemic conditions.
Eye Changes That Tell About Serious Health Problems (Image Credits: Canva)
Bulging Eyes
These eyes appear to bulge out of the eye socket. Most commonly, it is associated with Graves’ disease when the thyroid gland releases too many hormones. However, it can also result from tumours, infection or trauma in the eye socket.
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White Or Grey Ring Around Iris
This usually happens due to fatty deposits (cholesterol/lipid buildup) and is often noticed in older adults. In younger people, it can also indicate high cholesterol and increased cardiovascular risk.
Yellow Eyes
Yellow eyes are often the easiest way to identify if a patient is having jaundice or not. It is the sign of liver disease (such as hepatitis or cirrhosis), gallbladder disease or rarely, hemolytic anaemia.
(Disclaimer: This content, including suggestions and advice, provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information before making any drastic changes in your lifestyle.)