What Are Your Eyes Telling You on World Health Day?

7 April 2025

As 7th April marks World Health Day, it’s the perfect moment to pause and check in on our health and well-being. But did you know just how important your eyes are in supporting overall health?

Our bodies are remarkably good at signalling when something’s not quite right – whether it’s a racing heartbeat under stress or a twinge in the back from overexertion. And our eyes are no different. They play a crucial role in offering early clues about what might be happening elsewhere in the body.

Spot the Signs: When Eye Symptoms Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Experts at Optegra say that as several sight-threatening eye conditions may have no symptoms in the early stages, these ‘red flags’, such as wavy lines appearing straight or flashing lights, are definitely not to be ignored. It’s important for us all to know what these signs mean and when we should seek help, as it may even be a medical emergency.

How Eye Health Reflects Overall Well-Being

To support World Health Day, consultant ophthalmic surgeon Mr Shafiq Rehman from Optegra Eye Health Care offers the following advice on what to do when we experience changes in our eyes.

Mr Rehman added: “A number of health conditions can be detected through the eyes, such as diabetes, issues with cholesterol or blood pressure and even a brain tumour, so the bi-annual eye health check is vital not just for the eyes but also for our wider health.

Serious Eye Symptoms You Should Never Ignore

“We have national screening programmes for various cancers such as bowel and breast cancer because we know that picking up cancers and treating them early dramatically improves outcomes. The same applies for our eyes.

“Seeking urgent help if you get ‘red flag’ symptoms like sudden loss of vision, blind spots, double or distorted vision, flashes or floaters may not save your life, but it can absolutely save your sight.

The Importance of Regular Eye Health Checks

Mr Rehman adds, “Whilst most of the symptoms we experience in our eyes will be straightforward and treatable, some may indicate a more serious underlying condition that needs urgent medical attention. And more worryingly, some eye conditions may not have any symptoms at all in the first stages, which is why a regular eye check every two years is essential.

He continues, “This simple test not only ensures you can see as well as possible – with a prescription for glasses or contacts if needed, or discussion on vision correction treatments such as laser eye therapy or lens replacement – but also, vitally, checks on the health of your eyes.”

What Your Eyes Might Be Telling You: Common Eye Changes Explained

If you’re noticing changes in your vision or experiencing discomfort, our quick-reference guide to common symptoms may help:

Flashing lights and floaters (small patterns distorting your vision) may be a sign of a retinal tear. This is a medical emergency – visit A&E if your optician is unavailable.
Seeing rainbow circles around bright lights can be an early indicator of glaucoma.
Blurred central vision or trouble judging distances could suggest Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD).
Difficulty with night driving and glare from headlights might signal the onset of cataracts.
Sore, itchy eyelids could point to blepharitis, a common eyelid inflammation.
Gritty, dry eyes may be due to dry eye disease, which can often be managed with lubricating drops.
Frequent mild headaches could stem from eye strain or light sensitivity, often helped by glasses or sunglasses.
Dark circles under the eyes are usually harmless but may indicate tiredness or lack of sleep.
A visible squint in children could suggest eye strain or an uncorrected need for glasses.

Urgent Symptoms That Could Save Your Sight

Mr Rehman concludes, “If your vision changes dramatically, if you experience a blind spot, sudden loss of vision, or if straight lines appear wavy, it could be the sign of a serious problem. Don’t wait – get medical attention immediately.”