As romantic as it sounds, we know our eyes aren’t actually the windows to our soul. But as it turns out, they can be windows to our health.
Whether your eyes are irritated and bloodshot, or other tiny changes are happening that aren’t readily apparent, taking a peek at your peepers can provide a wealth of health info, from diabetes to high blood pressure to sun damage.
Of course, no one’s saying it’s a good idea to play eye doctor at home. Optometrists and ophthalmologists are big proponents of keeping up regular eye exams. And you should see a doctor right away if you notice any sudden or major vision changes. In the meantime, read up on these nine surprising conditions that a thorough look in the mirror may reveal.
1. You strained your eyes.
Irritated, bloodshot eyes are telltale sign of eye strain. Whether you’ve been wearing your contacts too long or squinting at a screen all day, overuse typically presents with redness, dryness, and discomfort, says Carl Jacobsen, O.D., chief of the ocular disease clinic at University of California Berkeley School of Optometry. Lubricating or rewetting drops can help.
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