5 Health Problems That Can Be Detected Early in Your Eyes
You wouldn’t be alone in thinking that an eye exam is only about eye health and vision correction. But the saying “The eyes are the window to the soul” is truer than you think. Your eye doctor isn’t just worried about your eye health, but also uses your eye exam to detect potential health problems early.
In this article, we’ll take a look at some health issues that can be detected in a routine eye exam.
1 | Diabetes
One of the most common health issues detected during an eye exam is diabetes. High blood sugar can damage the blood vessels in the retina, leading to a condition called diabetic retinopathy. Comprehensive eye exams often detect the telltale signs of diabetes before manifestations of physical symptoms you might bring to your general doctor. Should this issue be detected in your eyes, your eye doctor will oversee your eye disease management and recommend that you schedule an appointment with your general practitioner right away to create a care plan to manage your diabetes.
2 | High Blood Pressure
Elevated blood pressure, known as hypertension, causes changes in the retina’s blood vessels. This symptom can show up in an eye exam long before you feel symptoms related to high blood pressure. Left untreated, high blood pressure can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. The earlier high blood pressure is identified and treated, the better your overall health outcomes.
3 | High Cholesterol
During an eye exam, your eye doctor may notice yellowish deposits in the blood vessels of your eyes. These fatty deposits could indicate high cholesterol, which raises your risk for heart disease and other serious health conditions.
4 | Autoimmune and Rheumatic Diseases
Certain diseases, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, can cause inflammation in the eye. If your eye doctor notices swelling in the optic nerve, or you complain of dry eye, you may need to work with your general practitioner to check for autoimmune or rheumatic diseases. Managing these conditions before they worsen can help both your eye and overall health.
5 | Thyroid Disease
Thyroid disease, also known as Grave’s disease, can cause noticeable changes in the eyes, such as bulging or dry eye. Detecting these changes in an eye exam allows you the time to visit your general practitioner to address your physical health needs. Your eye doctor may also prescribe you medications to treat your eye symptoms related to Grave’s disease.
Key Takeaways
Getting an annual eye exam is extremely important not just for the sake of your vision but for your overall physical health! Getting a comprehensive eye exam means you can take control of your health before it’s too late and real damage is done. And that means a healthier and happier life!
Need to schedule an annual comprehensive eye exam? Black Diamond Eye Care provides high-quality eye care for your whole family. Schedule an exam today to take control of your health.
