1. Fat Islands around the eye lids
Medically termed as Xanthelesma, these are deposits of “fat” around your
eye lids or brows.
They signify that your cholesterol, triglycerides and other lipids in the body
may have gone high.
The chances of myocardial infarction (heart attack), Stroke and Ischemic
Heart Disease increase significantly. They should not be neglected and
could be the first sign of impending danger.
2. Dropping of Eye lids
Have you ever felt tired as the day progress and have difficulty to
even open your eyes? This could be more than a hangover or a late night
sleep if you have been having this for quite a while.
This could be the first sign of a neuromuscular degeneration known
as “Myasthenia Gravis” in many. This is a progressive disorder but
with treatment. Without treatment, many become handicapped and disabled
early.
Problems like difficulty in swallowing, choking and even breathing
can pursue. This condition can only affect a single or both eyes.
So next time, you see a person with droopy eyes – do not neglect.
3. A growing mole/wart like lesion
Ever noticed a mole or a small wart in and around your eyes? Have they been
growing in size recently? Many neglect these lesions as they are barely noticed.
But skins around the eyes are the most vulnerable to basal cell
carcinoma or malignant melanoma (form of skin cancers). If you notice a
pearly lesion with discharge or small blood vessels with or around the lesion,
please get it checked. We all have mobile phones and a “selfie” of the lesion
to evaluate for the growth in size by comparison can also be done.
4. Twitching
Twitching of the eyes may be due to dry eyes or misdirected lashes.
But if it happens too often and is beginning to get worse, it might be a first
sign of neurodegeneration called multiple sclerosis or of a brain tumor
that is compressing a part of the nerve supplying the face.
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Although both may be very rare, nobody wants a twitching eye and a visit to
an eye doctor can resolve the issue and also just might save a life.
5. Loss of Eye lash
Eye lash is the beauty of the face. But loss of eye lash could mean
start of something sinister which if caught early can be controlled. Loss
of lash can be due to fungal infections, local cancers or systemic problems
such as SLE or other vasculitic lesions which ultimately later may involve
your heart, kidneys and brain.
Early recognition not only saves life but as treatments are available;
they ensure you live the rest of your life as a healthy person would do.
Picture Courtesy: Google, Eye Rounds. Used with permission. 