General Health & the Eye

Our health has an influence on our energy levels & productivity. When our health is compromised, it leads to a series of changes which affects how we function and on our overall wellbeing.

Maintaining good health maintains good eye health.

The factors which affect our health and eyes are:

Stress

A hormonal response caused by the release of Adrenaline & Cortisol. This causes pupils dilation (enlarge) which then induces blurred vision. 

Raised intra-ocular pressure is connected to stress as our body fluid flows at a slower rate. 

Blood flow through our vessels slows during times of stress which affects the retinal blood vessels and the optic nerve. 

Floaters can become more noticeable as well as occurrence of ocular migraines (visual disturbances).

Peripheral vision can reduce and in extreme cases, some may have tunnel vision.

Muscle tension around the eye socket causing heavy achy symptoms and sometimes eye twitching. 

Double vision is experienced in rare instances.

Body Weight

Obesity increases the risk of peripheral artery disease and Diabetes. If uncontrolled, it leads to changes to the retinal blood vessel walls and to leakage of lipids and blood. If it occurs around the macula (centre of the eye), then vision may be affected.

Losing weight does not improve vision, however it does improve visual function. Maintaining a healthy body weight does reduce the likelihood of eye diseases developing later in life.

Regular exercise/keep fit will improve overall health, blood circulation to our eyes and regulate intra-ocular pressure.

Pregnancy

Hormonal fluctuations causes thickening of the cornea and sometimes raised intra-ocular pressure. This is due to fluid retention.

Blurring of vision may occur due to this retention and some may experience dry eyes.

These shifts are temporary and hormone levels reverts back after delivery.

Some expectant mothers may notice increased pigmentation around their eyelids. This is due to raised melanin (pigment in the skin) levels. This normally resolves after delivery.

Environment

Our eyes are constantly adjusting to our surroundings, particularly with lighting (either natural or artificial) and humidity.

Air pollution has a direct impact on our health and eyes as the pollutants can enter our body through our airways (nose and mouth). Asthma and Allergies can develop as well as being absorbed through our blood stream.

Pollutants can also be absorbed by our tears which then causes ocular inflammation and allergic conjunctivitis.

Extreme weather conditions gives rise to dust particles and debris entering our eyes which can also lead to these conditions.

Sunlight exposure has several health benefits which includes Vitamin D production which is needed for bone health and a boost to our cardiovascular and mental health. 

However, premature skin aging and skin cancer can develop with excessive sun exposure.

UV radiation originates from sun rays which induces changes in our body tissues where a Pterygium (conjunctiva and cornea changes), Cataract (lens changes) and Macula degeneration (macula changes) forms. These conditions are commonly seen in those living in warm climates.

Genetics

Certain genetic mutations and variants determines the likelihood of developing certain diseases. Genetics has an influence on the risk of developing diseases.

Eye conditions caused by genetics are Corneal dystrophy, Glaucoma (family history being a risk factor) and Stargardts disease. The likelihood of needing spectacles has a genetic factor as well as hereditary.

Age related macula degeneration is generally considered to be a condition related to advancing age, although it can be inherited.

Alcohol

Excessive alcohol consumption has detrimental effects on our health. Eventually Liver, Heart, Digestive diseases and Cancer will develop. 

The toxins in alcohol is absorbed by the organs and body tissues which disrupts hormones, weakens our immune system and affects the way our brain looks and works. This impacts how we think as well as influencing our mood and behaviour. 

Alcohol effects on our eyes are short and long term. The short term effects are:

~ blurring vision

~ puffy eyes

~ Bloodshot eyes

~ Blind spots

The longer term effects are increased risk of eye diseases including Age-related macula degeneration, Cataracts, Glaucoma, Dry eyes and impaired colour vision.

Read ‘Your Eye Health’ article on other factors connected to general health and the eye.

Any questions? Please get in touch..