How Systemic Diseases Show Up in Your Eyes: What to Ask Your Optometrist

At Optique Vision, comprehensive eye exams play an important role in protecting not only your sight, but your overall health. Understanding how systemic diseases can show up in your eyes -  and knowing what questions to ask your optometrist - can help you take a proactive approach to your well-being.

Why the Eyes Reveal Systemic Health Issues

The eyes contain tiny blood vessels, nerves, and delicate tissues that are directly affected by circulation, inflammation, and nerve function. Because optometrists can examine these structures in detail, they are often able to detect subtle changes that may indicate an underlying health condition.

Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the most common systemic diseases that impacts eye health. High blood sugar levels can damage the small blood vessels in the retina, leading to diabetic retinopathy. Early stages may not cause noticeable vision changes, which is why regular eye exams are critical.

Signs your optometrist may detect include:

• Leaking or damaged retinal blood vessels

• Swelling in the macula

• Tiny hemorrhages in the back of the eye

Early detection allows for timely management and coordination with your primary care physician.

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

High blood pressure can cause changes to the blood vessels in the eyes, a condition known as hypertensive retinopathy. These changes may reflect how well blood pressure is being controlled throughout the body.

Your optometrist may observe:

• Narrowed or hardened blood vessels

• Bleeding or swelling in the retina

• Changes in the optic nerve

These findings can sometimes prompt a referral for further medical evaluation.

Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid conditions, particularly Graves’ disease, can affect the muscles and tissues around the eyes. This may cause bulging eyes, dryness, double vision, or discomfort.

An optometrist may notice:

• Changes in eye alignment

• Increased eye exposure and dryness

• Swelling around the eyes

Identifying these signs early can help guide proper treatment.

Questions to Ask Your Optometrist

Being an active participant in your eye care can make a significant difference. Consider asking your optometrist the following questions during your visit:

• Do you see any signs in my eyes that could be related to my overall health?

• How often should I schedule eye exams given my medical history?

• Are there eye changes that could indicate diabetes or high blood pressure?

• Should I share updates about medications or recent health diagnoses?

• Are there lifestyle changes that could help protect my eye health?

Open communication helps your optometrist tailor your care to your individual needs.

The Importance of Comprehensive Eye Exams

A comprehensive eye exam goes beyond checking visual acuity. It includes a thorough evaluation of eye health, retinal imaging when appropriate, and careful assessment of the optic nerve and blood vessels. For patients with known health conditions - or those at risk - these exams can be an essential part of long-term health monitoring.

Stay Ahead of Vision and Health Changes

Your eyes can reveal important insights about your overall health, sometimes before symptoms appear elsewhere in the body. From diabetes and high blood pressure to autoimmune and neurological conditions, systemic diseases often leave early signs in the eyes. Regular eye exams and open conversations with your optometrist can play a key role in early detection, better management, and long-term wellness.

Schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Optique Vision to protect your vision while helping you stay informed about your overall health. Visit our office in Albany, New York, or call (518) 302-2106 today.