The eyes are the window to the soul and are also strong indicators relating to health. A number of symptoms and changes may occur indicating something may not be quite right.
Autoimmune Conditions
There are many kinds of autoimmune diseases that can impact your vision.
“In many cases, problems with the eyes are among the first symptoms of autoimmune conditions,” said Broberg Eye Care.
The site added: “Early on, patients may experience red eyes, itchy eyes, or frequent dry eye.
If the condition is undiagnosed or untreated, it’s possible for patients to experience eye pain, light sensitivity, changes to vision quality, and even vision loss.”
Neuromyelitis optica is an autoimmune disorder that affects the nerves of the eyes and the central nervous system, which includes the brain and spinal cord.
Autoimmune disorders occur when the immune system malfunctions and attacks the body’s own tissues and organs.
Uveitis is another autoimmune disorder that directly affects the pigmented cells of the iris in the eye, and sometimes the middle layers of the eye as well.
It causes inflammation, which can lead to blurred vision, “floaters,” and redness of the eye.
Diabetes
Diabetes can lead to swelling in the macula, which is called diabetic macular oedema.
Over time, this disease can destroy the sharp vision in this part of the eye, leading to partial vision loss or blindness.
Macular oedema usually develops in people who already have other signs of diabetic retinopathy.