What Your Eyes Might Be Telling You On Valentine’s Day

Baptist Eye Surgeons • February 13, 2018

A woman covering her eyes with a leaf with a heart cut out of itYou’ve heard it said that the eyes are the window to your soul, but it also turns out they can be telling us a lot about our physical health. So, take some time to gaze lovingly into your own eyes in the mirror this Valentine’s day, and see if they’re trying to tell you something about your health.

Corneal Infection

If you wear contact lenses instead of glasses, watch out for white spots on your cornea, which is the clear dome covering the front of your eye. White spots can be a sign of a corneal infection.  These must be treated aggressively so keep a close watch.

High Cholesterol

Usually if a white ring forms around your iris it’s just a sign of aging, but it may also be an indication of high cholesterol. As most of us know, high cholesterol increases your risk of a having a heart attack or stroke so it’s important to be aware of your cholesterol levels and lower them with diet or medication if necessary.

High Blood Pressure

Like high cholesterol, high blood pressure also increases your risk for having a heart attack or stroke. High blood pressure can also cause hypertensive retinopathy, which essentially means damaged blood vessels in your retina. You won’t be able to see retinal damage by looking in the mirror, but your ophthalmologist can detect it during a comprehensive eye exam, and it could save your life.

Retinal Tear or Detachment

Eye floaters are those tiny specks that sometimes move around in your field of vision, and they’re relatively common and usually harmless. However, don’t brush it off if you experience a sudden increase in eye floaters as they could be a sign of a retinal tear or detachment.

Diabetes

If you experience blurred vision, it most likely means you need glasses, but you should have your eyes checked to make sure there’s not another medical cause. Blurred vision can be caused by cataracts or macular degeneration of the eye, but it can also be a sign of a more serious illness like diabetes. In fact, a study by the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists revealed that 73% of diabetic patients reported blurred vision. But even if you’re not experiencing blurred vision, your ophthalmologist may be able to detect diabetes based on irregularities in your retina.

Jaundice

If the whites of your eyes are more yellow than white, it could indicate jaundice, which is caused by too much bilirubin in your blood. If your liver isn’t filtering red blood cells properly, bilirubin builds up and causes your skin and eyes to take on a yellowish—or jaundice—cast. While rare, jaundice in adults is usually caused by gallstones blocking the bile ducts, alcohol-related liver disease, or hepatitis.

Eye Strain

If your eyes are dry or are tearing up, it could mean you need to take a break from looking at digital screens. If you spend much of your day staring at a computer screen, or most of the evening watching television, you may experience symptoms of digital eye strain such as a dry or gritty feeling, red or watery eyes, or eye fatigue. Following the “20-20-20” rule can help. Every 20 minutes, shift your gaze to look at an object at least 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds. You can also lubricate your eyes with artificial tears.

This Valentine’s Day show your eyes some love by taking any unusual symptoms of eye disease seriously, and when it’s time to see a specialist schedule a consultation for a comprehensive eye examination with an ophthalmologist at Baptist Eye Surgeons .

With offices in Knoxville, TN and Morristown, TN, Baptist Eye Surgeons is an ophthalmological practice dedicated to providing quality eye care to patients whose needs range from routine comprehensive eye examinations to complex eye surgeries. To learn about our specialities and our doctors, visit our website . Call us at 865-579-3920 for more information, or visit us online to schedule an appointment .

Night Vision Problems: Causes and When to See an Eye Doctor

June 30, 2026
Night vision problems can make everyday activities like driving at dusk, walking in poorly lit places, or adjusting to indoor lighting harder and sometimes unsafe. Trouble seeing in low light, called nyctalopia, is not a disease itself but a sign that something else may be affecting your eyes. Learning what causes night vision problems and when to get help is important for keeping your vision healthy. What Are Night Vision Problems? Night vision problems mean it is hard to see clearly in low light or darkness. Some people notice their eyes take longer to adjust when going from bright to dim places. Others may have trouble with glare from headlights, seeing less contrast, or things just looking dimmer at night. Mild changes in night vision can happen as you get older, but if your symptoms keep getting worse or do not go away, you should pay attention to them. Common Causes of Night Vision Difficulties There are several potential causes of night vision problems. Night vision problems can have many causes, from getting older to certain eye conditions, such as lens problems, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 1. Cataracts Cataracts cause clouding of the eye’s natural lens, leading to blurred vision and increased sensitivity to glare. They are one of the most common causes of poor night vision, especially in older adults. 2. Vitamin A Deficiency Vitamin A is important for keeping your retina healthy. If you do not get enough vitamin A, your eyes may have trouble adjusting to darkness, which can lead to night blindness. 3. Glaucoma Some types of glaucoma can affect your side vision and make it harder to see differences between light and dark. As the optic nerve gets damaged, seeing in low light can become more difficult. 4. Retinitis Pigmentosa This inherited eye condition slowly affects your ability to see at night and to the sides. Early signs often include trouble seeing in the dark. 5. Diabetes-Related Eye Disease Diabetic retinopathy can harm the blood vessels in your retina, which may cause blurry vision and make it harder to see at night. 6. Aging and Pupil Changes As people get older, their pupils do not react to light changes as quickly, and the retina becomes less sensitive. This naturally makes night vision worse over time. Symptoms to Watch For Night vision problems often develop slowly. Some common signs are: Difficulty seeing in low light or darkness Trouble driving at night due to glare from headlights Longer adjustment time when moving between light and dark environments Reduced contrast or clarity in dim settings Frequent squinting or eye strain in low light If these symptoms start to affect your daily life, it is a good idea to get a full eye check-up. When to See an Eye Doctor You should see an eye doctor if you notice new night vision problems, if they are getting worse, or if you have other changes in your vision. The doctor can run tests to find out what is causing the problem and suggest the right treatment. A full eye exam might include checking your retina, testing your field of vision, and taking images to look at your eye health. Finding problems early is very important for conditions like glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, and retinal disorders, because early treatment can help protect your vision. Protecting Your Night Vision Not all causes of night vision loss can be prevented, but taking care of your eyes can lower your risk and help you see better. Some helpful steps are: Scheduling regular eye exams Handling chronic health conditions like diabetes Eating a diet rich in vitamin A and antioxidants Wearing proper corrective lenses if prescribed Avoiding driving with untreated vision changes Prioritizing Your Eye Health Night vision problems can be an early sign of eye disease. Since many eye problems develop slowly, having regular eye exams is one of the best ways to catch changes early and keep your vision healthy for the long term. If you have trouble seeing at night or notice any changes in your vision, making an appointment for an eye exam can help keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear in all types of light.
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