The Health Secrets In Your Eyes

They’re not just a window into your soul – they can reveal insights into your wellbeing. Eye surgeon Romesh Angunawela reveals what your eyes tell you about your health

- 

Stress or fatigue

A twitch on the lid above or below the eye, called myokymia, is usually a sign of stress or fatigue. A lack of sleep will also often leave eyes looking puffy and red. There’s a simple solution – get more rest!

Jaundice

A yellowing of the whites of your eyes is a warning sign that should not be ignored. The most common cause is jaundice, a build-up of bilirubin, the yellow substance formed when red blood cells are broken down. If your liver can’t filter the cells properly, the bilirubin levels rise, turning your eyes and skin yellow. This, in turn, is usually a sign of serious health issues such as hepatitis, liver disease or something blocking the bile ducts, such as gallstones or cancer.

High cholesterol

A white ring around the iris is a common sign of ageing but can also indicate high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, increasing your risk of heart attack or stroke. Get it checked by an optician.

Diabetes