The Link Between Our Eye Health and Your Overall Wellbeing
Most people think of eye exams to update their prescription or check for common eye conditions like glaucoma or cataracts. However, an eye exam can reveal much more than just vision problems. Our eyes are not only a window to the soul but a window into overall health too.
Surprising Health Problems an Eye Exam Can Catch
Our comprehensive eye exams allow our eye doctors to detect early signs of systemic health issues that might otherwise go unnoticed. At Optic Gallery, our comprehensive eye exams are designed to uncover these hidden problems and help you maintain your overall health. Here are some common physiological conditions detectable via an eye exam:
1. Diabetes
Diabetes can cause changes in the blood vessels in the retina, leading to a condition called diabetic retinopathy. During an eye exam, your optometrist can detect early signs of this condition, such as microaneurysms or bleeding in the retina, which may indicate undiagnosed diabetes or poorly controlled blood sugar levels.
2. High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure can cause damage to the small blood vessels in the eyes, leading to signs like bleeding, narrowing of blood vessels, or fluid buildup. These signs can be detected during a routine eye exam, providing a clue to your cardiovascular health, and alerting you to the need for further medical evaluation.
3. High Cholesterol
High cholesterol levels can lead to yellowish deposits around the cornea or changes in the retina blood vessels. Your eye doctor might notice these signs during an exam, indicating the need for a blood test to check your cholesterol levels.
4. Autoimmune Diseases
Autoimmune diseases like lupus or multiple sclerosis can cause inflammation in various parts of the eye, such as the optic nerve or retina. Symptoms like uveitis (inflammation of the middle layer of the eye) or optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve) can be detected during an eye exam, prompting further investigation into potential autoimmune disorders.
5. Thyroid Disease
Thyroid diseases, particularly hyperthyroidism, can cause changes in the eyes, such as bulging eyes (proptosis) or eyelid retraction. These symptoms, along with other findings, can suggest thyroid problems that may need medical evaluation and treatment.
6. Neurological Disorders
Certain neurological conditions, including brain tumors or multiple sclerosis, can affect the optic nerve and eye movements. An eye exam might reveal issues such as abnormal pupil responses, optic nerve swelling, or uncontrolled eye movements, signaling the need for a neurological assessment.
We believe that a big part of treating these conditions comes with education surrounding the signs and the specifics of treatments. Find more resources related to other eye conditions, including diabetic eye disease here.
Find Out the Truth that Lies Behind Your Eyes
An eye exam is more than just a vision check—it’s an important tool for detecting systemic health issues that may not yet have obvious symptoms. At Optic Gallery, we use comprehensive eye exams to help safeguard not just your eye health but your overall well-being. Request your eye exam here to ensure you are taking a proactive approach to your health.