Our eyes can reveal much more about our overall health than we might expect. Subtle changes in the eyes often serve as early indicators of serious medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and even arthritis.
Dimitra Skondra, a retinal specialist and associate professor of ophthalmology and visual science at the University of Chicago Medicine, explains that a routine eye exam can detect hidden health problems that extend far beyond vision.
She highlights, “The blood vessels located in the retina at the back of the eye reflect the health of your cardiovascular system. Any abnormalities observed in these vessels can indicate potential issues related to the heart and blood vessels throughout the body.”
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During a typical eye examination, an ophthalmologist uses an ophthalmoscope to inspect both the external and internal structures of the eye, including the pupil responses, lens, retina, and optic nerve.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, often shows no obvious symptoms, but its effects can be visible in the eyes. “High blood pressure can cause retinopathy—damage to the eye’s blood vessels—leading to bleeding, swelling, blurred vision, blood clots, nerve damage, or even retinal stroke, which may result in total vision loss,” Prof Skondra explains.
Eye specialists can identify these vascular changes without needing to measure blood pressure with a cuff. In her clinical experience, Prof Skondra has encountered patients who were unaware of their high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol until changes in their retinal blood vessels were noticed during routine checkups.
Similarly, diabetes is frequently diagnosed through eye exams. Elevated blood sugar affects the small vessels in the retina, increasing the risk of diabetic retinopathy—a condition that can cause blindness and is also associated with heart and kidney problems. Early detection through eye examination helps patients receive timely treatment that can prevent severe complications.
Intriguingly, eye exams can also reveal systemic inflammatory diseases such as arthritis. These conditions often cause inflammation within the eye, resulting in pain, redness, dry eye, and, if untreated, potential damage to the cornea, the eye’s clear, dome-shaped surface.
In summary, eye exams serve as a vital window into our broader health. Regular screenings not only preserve vision but may also detect significant health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and inflammatory conditions well before symptoms become apparent elsewhere.