Eye symptoms can often signal underlying health problems beyond the eye itself. This topic was discussed by Mr Mfazo Hove on live UK radio.
- BBC Radio Essex – Ben Fryer Show: 14th Jan 2026
- BBC Greatest Hits – Friday 16th Jan 2026
About the Expert
Mr Mfazo Hove MBChB MD FRCOphth CertLRS is a Fellow of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists and Founder of Blue Fin Vision®, a leading consultant-led eye surgery group with locations across London, Essex, and Hertfordshire. With more than 55,000 cataract, refractive and intraocular procedures performed – including over 24,000 in the last four years alone – he brings exceptional experience to understanding how eye health connects with general health.
Mr Hove specialises in emergency ophthalmology and eye casualty, with 23 years of experience in the field. His subspecialties include refractive surgery, cataract surgery, medical retina conditions, and glaucoma management.
Why Your Eyes Matter for Overall Health
The retina is the only place in the body where blood vessels can be directly viewed without surgery. This provides a unique window into vascular and neurological health, allowing eye specialists to detect early signs of systemic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, and neurological conditions.
Changes in the blood vessels within the eyes at age 60 can help predict memory loss or dementia in the following two decades. The optic nerve and retina are extensions of the brain, so certain brain conditions can be inferred from how they appear during examination. A comprehensive ophthalmologist examination using advanced diagnostic tests such as OCT imaging and visual field assessment can reveal these hidden health indicators.
Common Health Conditions Revealed Through Eye Examination
Diabetes
Diabetic retinopathy is caused by long-term damage to the small blood vessels of the retina from raised blood sugar levels. Early stages may cause no symptoms even while damage is developing, which is why regular retinal screening is essential for everyone with diabetes. Persistently high blood sugar damages capillary walls and supporting cells, leading to leakage, blockage, and abnormal new vessel growth that can threaten vision.
High Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Disease
Hypertension, high cholesterol, and cardiovascular disease all leave visible signs in the retinal blood vessels. Constriction of blood vessels, changes where arteries and veins cross, and swelling of the optic nerve can indicate systemic vascular problems. These findings prompt further cardiovascular assessment and risk factor management.
Autoimmune and Inflammatory Diseases
Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, sarcoidosis, and ankylosing spondylitis can cause inflammation inside the eye known as uveitis. Uveitis affects the uvea – the middle layer of the eye consisting of the iris, ciliary body, and choroid – and can occur at any age, though it most commonly affects people between 20 and 50 years old. Eye symptoms may be the first indication of an underlying autoimmune condition, making early detection through comprehensive eye examination particularly valuable.
Thyroid eye disease, associated with Graves’ hyperthyroidism, causes characteristic inflammation and swelling of orbital tissues that can be identified during specialist assessment.
Neurological Conditions
Because the optic nerve connects directly to the brain, eye examinations can reveal neurological problems. Optic nerve swelling, changes in pupil response, and visual field defects may signal conditions ranging from multiple sclerosis to increased intracranial pressure.
Eye Cancer Warning Signs
While rare, certain eye symptoms can indicate ocular malignancies. Vision changes such as floaters or flashes of light, dark spots on the iris that grow or change, and unexplained bulging of one eye warrant prompt evaluation. Approximately 880 cases of eye cancer are diagnosed annually in the UK, and early detection significantly improves outcomes.
Signs You Should Book an Eye Test
Many serious eye conditions develop without obvious symptoms in their early stages. However, certain warning signs indicate the need for prompt professional eye test evaluation:
- Blurred or fuzzy vision that doesn’t improve
- Frequent headaches, particularly after visual tasks
- Difficulty adjusting between near and far vision
- Increased sensitivity to light or seeing halos around lights
- Changes in night vision or needing more light than usual
- A sudden increase in floaters or flashes of light
- Any shadow or curtain-like obstruction in your vision
These symptoms could indicate anything from simple refractive errors to more serious conditions requiring urgent attention. A comprehensive eye test can identify the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment.
When to Seek Urgent Eye Assessment
Certain eye symptoms require immediate attention as they may indicate serious underlying health problems:
- Sudden vision loss or severe vision changes
- New floaters with flashes of light or a curtain across vision
- Sudden onset of double vision
- Painful red eye with blurred vision or headache
- Eye redness with light sensitivity – possible signs of uveitis
- Any sudden change in vision if you have diabetes
Regular eye examinations allow early detection of changes before vision is affected. Timely treatment of detected changes can prevent or delay vision loss and alert you to systemic health conditions requiring medical attention.
