What eye color says about health?
Eyes not only tell the mind, but also inform about health. We all know that the symptoms of various diseases are manifested in the eyes.
However, many people may not know that the natural color of the eyes, i.e. the color of the iris, also gives an idea of health. Different colored irises, including black or brown, can be seen in individuals. Eye color is mainly determined by genetic influences.
While there are ways to keep the eyes healthy and improve vision, there is little that can be done to change the color of the eyes or iris. According to researchers, the color of the iris can give some idea about a person’s health. For example, the risk of the dreaded disease melanoma can be predicted based on eye color.
Here are three things eye color can tell about health.
* Dark eyes: Less risk of macular degeneration
Eye color can give a good idea about the overall health of the eye. The darker the iris, the lower the risk of macular degeneration. Macular degeneration is a problem related to the retina. A part of the retina is the macula, which is the problem when damaged. This disease leads to permanent blindness. Christopher Quinn, president of Omni Eye Services in New Jersey, USA, said a black iris can block the sun’s ultraviolet rays. UV rays are a risk factor for macular degeneration. On the other hand, excess light entering through the light-colored iris increases the risk of retinal degeneration.
* Dark eyes: less risk of melanoma
A black colored iris indicates a low risk of skin cancer called melanoma. The most deadly skin cancer is melanoma. A study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention found that children who had the blue-eye gene had a higher rate of skin warts than children who did not carry the gene. Notably, the number of childhood warts can predict the risk of melanoma later in life. Another study found that people with blue or green eyes have a higher risk of eye melanoma. This is because their eyes do not have enough light-absorbing pigment to protect them from UV rays. According to experts, regardless of eye color, eye protection is best done by wearing sunglasses that block 99 to 100 percent of UV rays. Or wear UV blocking contact lenses.
* Light colored eyes: less risk of vitiligo
In a study from the University of Colorado School of Medicine, researchers analyzed data from nearly 3,000 white patients. Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease. In this disease the skin becomes white. Analysis of research data showed that people with blue or gray eyes had lower rates of vitiligo than people with dark eyes. However, white patients have a higher risk of other autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, type 1 diabetes and thyroid disease.
*Eye Conditions to Be Aware Of
Certain adjustments in the appearance of your eyes might also signal underlying situations that need to be looked at via a health practitioner:
Red whites. Healthy eyes have fairly vivid whites, so whilst the whites of your eyes turn red, it is a purple flag. “Red is a sign of dryness, contamination, or allergic reactions,” says Dr. Mejia. Though you may eye color control a number of these issues with over-the-counter products like hypersensitivity medicinal drugs or eye drops, see an eye physician if the redness and inflammation persist.Yellow whites. “We understand with liver impairment you get a yellowing of the eyes,” also referred to as jaundice, Mejia explains. If the yellowing is new and also you’ve never discussed it with your physician, name for an appointment.Hazy students. When cataracts increase, they can create a visible white/blue fogginess over the scholar of a watch.White corneal ring. “Changes which can happen with the cornea make it seem like the attention is changing,” notes Mejia. Cholesterol deposits in the cornea (the dome-shaped masking of the attention), as an example, can create the advent of a brand new white ring. Talk together with your medical doctor in case you note that the coloration of the ring round your eyes has modified.Annual eye color tests will assist you live on top of modifications within the blood vessels in the attention that would reflect the outcomes of diabetes, high blood pressure, or glaucoma. In between annual exams, but, “if the white components of the attention aren’t white, that might be a caution signal to get to a doctor,” says Mejia.
Source: The Healthy