What Eyes Tell About Health | Donaldson Plastic Surgery

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By Tricia Granchi, MSN, FNP-C |

What Eyes Tell About Health

Insights Into Your Well-being Through A Different Lens

What Eyes Tell About Health

You can tell a lot about a person by looking into their eyes — and we’re not just talking about if they’re holding back tears or bluffing during Blackjack. Our eyes have evolved to reveal important internal cues about hydration, brain function, cardiovascular health and more. Many of the body’s early warning signs of illness can show up in or around the eyes before we even feel sick.

Let’s look closer at what your eyes might be trying to tell you about your health.

You Can Click Ahead To Your Specific Concern:

Why Is My Eye Twitching?

That sudden, annoying flutter in your eyelid? It is called myokymia. It’s a harmless and common involuntary spasm of the eyelid muscles. Most cases of ocular myokymia are caused by stress, fatigue, caffeine and/or digital eye strain.

Persistent or severe eye twitching can sometimes point to underlying neurological issues like multiple sclerosis, Bell’s palsy or even early signs of a movement disorder, though these are far less common.

A woman using her ipad at the side of her bed during the day

How Can I Make My Eye Stop Twitching?

Try making a few lifestyle changes to ease the twitching:

  • Get More Sleep: Fatigue is one of the most common causes of myokymia.
  • Reduce Caffeine Intake: Stimulants can overexcite nerve endings.
  • Apply a Warm Compress: This relaxes the eyelid muscles.
  • Limit Screen Time: Blue light and digital strain are known triggers.
  • Manage Stress: Incorporate stress-reducing habits like breathwork or journaling.
  • Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can worsen nerve sensitivity and muscle spasms.

When Should I See A Doctor About Eye Twitching?

If your twitching lasts for more than a few weeks, affects other areas of your face, or is paired with muscle weakness, it’s worth discussing with your doctor. A functional medicine provider can also help evaluate if chronic stress, micronutrient deficiencies or nervous system dysregulation are contributing to the issue.

Close up photo of a patient with healthy sclera coloring

What Is The Sclera?

The sclera is the white outer layer of your eyeball — and it’s more than just cosmetic. It protects the inner eye and provides structure. While its baseline color is naturally influenced by genetics and age, significant changes in tone can point to lifestyle factors like smoking, nutrition or underlying health conditions.

“Sometimes, I can predict the symptoms a patient is about to describe just by looking at the color of their sclera or the subtle signs of chronic fatigue around their eyes. The body has such a way of revealing what’s going on internally!”

-Tricia Granchi, MSN | Functional Medicine Expert

What Different Sclera Tones Mean

  • Yellow: May indicate jaundice, liver dysfunction or gallbladder issues.
  • Blue: Often seen in children or those with brittle bone disease; can reflect collagen or iron deficiency.
  • Red: Typically caused by irritation, dryness or broken blood vessels from strain.
  • Brown: Pigmented spots may be harmless but should be checked for melanoma risk.
  • Gray: Can be a sign of aging, anemia or high cholesterol deposits.
  • Bright White: A sign of good hydration, oxygenation and general health

A Note About Specialized Eye Whitening & Brightening Drops

Products like Lumify (brimonidine tartrate) and Upneeq (oxymetazoline hydrochloride) are generally safe for occasional use and can effectively reduce redness and other common cosmetic concerns. However, frequent use may mask underlying issues like chronic irritation, inflammation or allergic response. If your eyes are persistently red — especially alongside discomfort, dryness or vision changes — it’s best to identify the root cause rather than rely on cosmetic solutions.

When Should I See A Doctor About Eye Discoloration?

Slight discoloration often isn’t a big deal but if you notice yellowing, brown spots or cloudiness paired with fatigue, pain or blurred vision, it’s time to get evaluated. These can be early signs of liver dysfunction, blood disorders or autoimmune conditions.

Functional medicine providers are especially skilled at looking deeper into the root causes when conventional labs come back “normal” but symptoms persist.

What Causes Chronic Dry Eyes?

Dry eyes can stem from environmental irritants, screen time, aging and contact lens use. But they may also signal autoimmune conditions like Sjögren’s syndrome or thyroid disease. Inflammation, poor sleep hygiene and even hormonal changes can also play a role.

Is It Bad To Use Eye Drops Every Day?

Over-the-counter lubricating drops are generally safe, but using decongestant drops (like “get-the-red-out” formulas) too often can cause rebound redness and irritation. If you find yourself reaching for drops daily, it’s a sign to look deeper. Also, it is vital to follow the established instructions for each dry eye product to achieve the desired results instead of just using the product as needed.

“I often urge patients to take occasional breaks and pay close attention to how their bodies respond without these products.”

-Tricia Granchi, MSN | Functional Medicine Expert

When Should I See A Doctor About My Dry Eyes?

If symptoms persist for more than a few days, are accompanied by pain or vision changes, or worsen at night, schedule a checkup. You may need a more holistic treatment approach beyond artificial tears.

Why Does My Vision Change?

Vision changes can occur for a variety of reasons. Some are benign. Some are more serious. Here’s what different symptoms might mean:

  • Blurry When Standing Up: May be a sign of low blood pressure or dehydration.
  • Looks Like Static: Could be visual snow syndrome or ocular migraines.
  • Gets Worse Throughout The Day: Eye fatigue, often from screen overuse.
  • Gets Blurry At Night: Poor night vision can stem from vitamin A deficiency or cataracts.
  • Goes Black Randomly: Seek immediate care — this can signal a retinal detachment or stroke.
  • Turns Green In The Dark: Could relate to light scatter from minor corneal changes.
  • Changes With A Migraine: Visual aura often occurs before or during a migraine.

 

Tricia Granchi, MSN, FNP-C Author

About The Author

Tricia Granchi, MSN, FNP-C, is an experienced functional medicine expert in Columbus, Ohio. She creates holistic solutions that address the root cause of patient health concerns instead of just treating the initial symptoms — many of which include functional and cosmetic eye issues. With a deep understanding of hormone optimization, nutrition and gut health, Tricia believes that when systems like hormone function and nutrient absorption are dialed in, the body becomes better equipped to heal. And the results often show up in the eyes first!

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