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The following article was published in Your Health Magazine. Our mission is to empower people to live healthier.
Kristin Biggee, MD
The Eyes Are the Window To Your Soul
Maryland Eye Associates
. http://marylandeyeassociates.com

The Eyes Are the Window To Your Soul

Have you ever heard that the “eyes are the window to your soul?” This is especially true in the field of ophthalmology, which requires extensive training to understand the delicate tissues of the eye, how they relate to the rest of the body and how they are affected by systemic disease. The eye is the only organ that has a clear tissue (the cornea) that allows physicians to actually see a nerve and tiny blood vessels inside of it. Changes can be seen inside the eye that are a result of diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune disease, and neurological conditions among others. If found, these changes suggest similar effects may be inside your other organs. Periodic eye exams are used in conjunction with evaluations by your primary care doctor to monitor many conditions.

It is also important to understand that systemic diseases have significant effects on your eyesight. Uncontrolled diabetes and high blood pressure can lead to significant vision loss. Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness in U.S. adults. If diabetic eye changes are caught early, there are procedures that can reduce this risk of blindness. More importantly, studies have proven that if blood sugars and blood pressure are under good control, eye damage and vision loss can be prevented.

Good nutrition and exercise are critically important, not only to prevent diabetes and high blood pressure, but also to boost your immune system and mental health. The immune system has been linked to a variety of eye conditions, such as uveitis (inflammation inside the eye), dry eye syndrome, thyroid eye disease, and ocular infections. Some studies suggest a possible link to glaucoma and macular degeneration as well, although this has not been scientifically proven.

Scientists have long debated whether taking vitamin and/or mineral supplements could help prevent, treat or cure certain eye conditions. The Age-Related Eye Disease Study is a major study sponsored by the National Eye Institute that showed high levels of antioxidants and zinc can reduce the risk of vision loss in patients with intermediate to advanced stages of age related macular degeneration (AMD). The study however, showed no benefit for patients with minimal AMD, did not prevent the initial development of AMD, and did not improve vision already lost in AMD. This suggests a definite but poorly understood role of nutrition in eye disease, which needs further study.

Stress can also play a role in eye disease. You may have heard of cases of “hysterical blindness.” This occurs when someone develops a sudden sense of blindness or vision loss after a negative psychological or emotional event. These cases are rare and difficult to diagnose as physicians often struggle to find a physical cause. This often leaves both doctor and patient very frustrated. In these situations, it is of course important to rule out any physical injury, but altered emotional or mental health should not be neglected as a potential cause.

Stress can adversely affect eye health in other ways. There are many studies linking negative psychological and emotional experiences to altered endocrine, neurological and immune functions, which are all important to the health of the eye. Other negative effects of stress include delayed healing and altered pain sensitivity.

Although the eye may seem like a small part of your body, it is a very complex organ with strong interconnections to your complete physical and mental wellbeing. Becoming an expert in this specialty has only proven how important it is to have a holistic approach to improve care in any area of the body.

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