Symptoms in the Eye May Signal Hidden Diseases in the Body

Eye examinations not only diagnose vision disorders; they can also reveal the first signs of numerous systemic diseases. Prof. Dr. Merih Oray, Head of the Uveitis Department at Dünyagöz Hospitals, notes that regular eye checks play a vital role in the early diagnosis of serious conditions such as kidney disease, brain tumors, diabetes, hypertension and MS.

The eye serves as a "health window" because it is the only organ in the body where blood vessel structure can be directly observed. Through detailed examinations of the retina and optic nerves, it becomes possible to detect signs of systemic conditions that a person may be unaware of.

Prof. Dr. Oray emphasized that uveitis is generally a term used to describe intraocular inflammation, but some eye diseases can mimic uveitis, and differential diagnosis can be life-saving.

Sharing a recent case, Prof. Dr. Oray described a 49-year-old woman who presented with complaints of blurred vision lasting two weeks. Initially suspected of uveitis (intraocular inflammation), detailed eye examination and imaging findings in the patient were consistent with eye involvement due to severe hypertension.

"What is Seen in the Eye May Be Hidden in the Body"
Prof. Dr. Oray, noting that many early signs of systemic diseases can be detected during a careful eye examination, shared the following details about the case:

"The patient had approximately 70% vision loss in both eyes. She had no known systemic disease. However, eye examination and imaging findings were consistent with eye involvement from severe hypertension. When I measured her blood pressure, I found the values were well above normal. Blood and urine tests revealed that high blood pressure had also caused kidney damage. The patient was diagnosed with kidney failure due to hypertension and was urgently referred to the nephrology department."

Prof. Dr. Oray stated that following treatment, the patient's visual acuity returned completely, adding, "Through early diagnosis, we prevented both vision loss and vital risks."

Prof. Dr. Oray drew attention to the fact that eye health checks in the community are not limited to detecting vision defects, and that early signs of many serious diseases can appear in the eye, reminding that eye examinations should be performed at least once a year.