The first signs of a disease can often be seen early on in the eyes or retina. An overview of the symptoms that can indicate possible diseases:

Severe redness

This is often caused by conjunctivitis, which has to be treated with medication but quickly subsides. Reddened eyes can also be a sign of inflammation associated with rheumatism.

Dark circles

If the cause is not an acute lack of sleep, but the dark circles are there permanently, this is often due to thyroid problems. A doctor can clarify this.

Itching and dryness

Overheated rooms, poorly lit workplaces or the incorrect use of contact lenses can be to blame. It is not uncommon for dry eyes to indicate a vitamin A deficiency.

Yellow discoloration

Caution is advised if the eyeball has a yellowish tinge: Blood lipid levels are probably elevated and the liver is stressed. Ask your family doctor or internist to examine you.

White-yellow ring around the iris

An elevated cholesterol level may be the cause. This is particularly common in people under 50. At an advanced age, however, the ring also occurs more frequently as a harmless sign of ageing.

Twitching eyelids

Nervous twitching can be caused by an overactive thyroid gland. The same applies to excess calcium or a severe magnesium deficiency. If a laboratory test has ruled out all of these, a neurologist can help.

What the eye color reveals

A study by the University of Pittsburgh was able to prove that people with light-colored - i.e. blue or gray - eyes feel less pain than those with brown eyes. And: the degree of diabetes a person suffers from can even change the color. Researchers have long observed that the eyes of diabetics become darker and darker as the disease progresses.