Many systemic diseases have ocular manifestations that may precede or reflect systemic progression. This book provides a comprehensive overview of how conditions like diabetes, hypertension, autoimmune disorders, and infectious diseases impact ocular structures. It explains the mechanisms behind these changes and how to detect them during routine exams. Chapters include diagnostic clues, referral guidelines, and collaborative care strategies. With detailed photographs and symptom correlations, the book bridges general medicine and optometry. It is a crucial reference for practitioners seeking to identify underlying health issues through ocular evaluation.
Brian Hughes is a medical optometrist with a subspecialty in recognizing ocular signs of systemic disease. He collaborates closely with internists and endocrinologists to manage conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and autoimmune disorders as they manifest in the eye. Brian teaches students how to detect early ocular clues that warrant systemic evaluation, using a multidisciplinary lens. He contributes to continuing education on inter-system diagnostics and promotes holistic patient care where eye health informs broader medical decisions.