How Can an Eye Exam Help Detect Other Health Concerns?
The eyes are a window to the rest of your body, and an eye exam can detect a myriad of other health concerns:
High blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes
Some of the smallest blood vessels in the body are in the eye. When we see changes within those blood vessels (such as bleeding, swelling, and inflammation) that can indicate issues such as: diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol. Cholesterol, for example, when too high, can deposit in the cornea — and that may be the only indication (without a blood test) that cholesterol levels are not normal.
Issues with the brain
In an eye exam we could see a swelling of the optic nerve head, which wouldn’t be felt otherwise. This indicates internal issues with the brain and spinal cord.
Autoimmune disorders
Although people think that when their vision changes they simply require an updated prescription, it could also indicate something much more serious. Vision changes can point to inflammation in the optic nerve, signaling a possible autoimmune disorder such as multiple sclerosis or Lyme’s disease.
Inflammation throughout the body
Dry eyes and issues with the tissues on the front of the eye can show inflammation that is also present elsewhere in the body.
Keeping your eyes healthy is part of a healthy lifestyle, so don’t forget to schedule your annual eye exam at Complete Eye Care of Medina and stay ahead of any issues that may arise.