How Can a Comprehensive Eye Exam Detect More Than Just Vision Problems?

When was the last time you sat for a comprehensive eye exam? Do you know that this exam is not just about checking your vision? It can uncover hidden health issues before you even notice symptoms. Regular eye exams can detect many conditions that affect your overall health.

Here is a closer look at some of the non-visual problems that an eye exam can help identify.

Five Health Conditions a Comprehensive Eye Exam Can Detect

• High Blood Pressure

One of the first things an eye doctor checks during an exam is the retina. Changes in the blood vessels at the back of your eye can indicate high blood pressure. These changes can include narrowed blood vessels and swelling. In many cases, it can even include damage to the retina. Identifying these changes early helps to prevent heart disease or stroke.

• Diabetes

Diabetic retinopathy is a condition resulting from high blood sugar. It damages the blood vessels in the retina. Early-stage diabetic retinopathy can often go unnoticed because it has no obvious symptoms. During an eye exam, your doctor may spot early signs of this condition, even before you experience vision problems.

• Glaucoma

This is a group of eye diseases that lead to optic nerve damage. They damage the nerve by causing high intraocular pressure. Glaucoma does not cause instant vision issues; it affects vision over time. Since it steals sight slowly, it is dangerous because people usually decide to take action when it is too late.

However, the good news is that a comprehensive eye examination can detect the condition early. The eye doctor may check the optic nerve for any signs of damage. Regular exams help detect glaucoma in its early stages, allowing for timely treatment.

• Heart Disease

Do you know that eye exams can detect signs of heart disease? The exams can reveal clogged blood vessels and blocked arteries in the retina. The blood vessels in your eyes mirror those in your heart, so changes in the eye can indicate poor cardiovascular health. A blocked or narrowed artery in the retina may suggest atherosclerosis. This condition causes fatty deposits to build up in the arteries, restricting blood flow.

• Neurological Disorders

This eye exam can detect early signs of neurological conditions. The optic nerve and the retina are often affected by brain and nerve conditions. For example, swelling of the optic nerve can indicate increased pressure on the brain. This pressure is often associated with brain tumors or multiple sclerosis.

Similarly, changes in vision or the appearance of the eye may point towards Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.

Why Regular Eye Exams Are Important

Of course, most people go to eye exams for vision checks. However, most do not realize just how important the exams are in providing insight into their overall health. Many conditions, like high blood pressure or diabetes, can go unnoticed until they reach advanced stages. Eye exams help detect them early, making it easier to manage and prevent complications.

Therefore, do not wait until you get a vision problem to visit your eye doctor; book an appointment today. Regular exams after the age of 40 are important for detecting diseases that affect both the eyes and other areas of the body.

To find out more about comprehensive eye exams, visit Eclipse Eyecare at our Lewisville, Texas, office. Call (972) 471-9500 to book an appointment today.

Sources:

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/tips-prevention/surprising-health-conditions-eye-exam-detects 

https://www.aoa.org/AOA/Documents/Healthy%20Eyes/Eye%20and%20vision%20conditions/Systemic%20Conditions%20with%20Ocular%20and%20Visual%20Manifestations.pdf