How Regular Eye Exams Can Detect Early Signs of Health Conditions

Your eyes are not only the windows to your soul; they also give you a general idea of how well your body is doing. An eye exam can reveal many underlying health conditions that can manifest themselves in the eyes.
 

Routine eye exams are crucial for maintaining good eye health and preserving vision. Many might not be aware that these examinations can provide a wealth of data about a person's general health. 

It would help to understand how eye exams can spot early warning signs of illnesses. That will help you appreciate the significance of scheduling routine checkups with your optometrist or ophthalmologist.

What Is a Comprehensive Eye Exam?

An optometrist or ophthalmologist will thoroughly examine your eyes and visual system during a comprehensive eye exam. The examination's goals are to assess the condition of the eyes and look for any visual or eye issues. Several tests typically take place as part of the examination to measure visual acuity, evaluate eye health, and look for other health conditions.

The Influence of a Comprehensive Eye Exam

A comprehensive eye examination includes several tests identifying various conditions and diseases. Tests for visual acuity and dilated eye exams can help identify these conditions. The latter enables the doctor to examine the retina and optic nerve closely. 

During these examinations, the eye doctor may also look for indications of other medical conditions. These include diabetes, hypertension, and thyroid problems.

Finding High Blood Pressure

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a significant risk factor for various conditions. These include kidney disease, heart attack, and stroke. Hypertensive retinopathy, or high blood pressure retinopathy, can damage the blood vessels in the eyes. 

An optometrist can spot the symptoms of this damage by looking at the blood vessels in the back of the eye. Thus, routine eye exams are crucial for early hypertension detection.

Detecting Signs of Diabetes

Diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and glaucoma can stem from diabetes. An optometrist can find these conditions during an eye exam. He/she can look at the blood vessels behind the eye. An extensive eye exam can identify changes in the eye's lens due to high blood sugar levels. These serve as diabetes early warning signs.

Detecting Thyroid Conditions

The thyroid is a neck gland with a butterfly-like form, which makes hormones that control metabolism. An eye exam can help identify a thyroid disorder. That is because the eyes are susceptible to changes in hormone levels. A swollen eyelid or abnormal eye movement are common symptoms of a thyroid condition.

Detection of Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases can cause inflammation and damage to various body parts. That happens when the body's immune system attacks its healthy cells. An optometrist can find indications of various autoimmune diseases during an eye exam. The most common ones are lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Conclusion

Routine eye exams can identify early warning signs of various health issues. These include hypertension, diabetes, thyroid issues, and autoimmune diseases. These examinations can also identify various eye conditions.
 

Examples of these include cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration. These conditions, if untreated, can impair vision. Routine eye exams can help you prevent vision loss and maintain good general health.

For more on comprehensive eye exams, visit Merrick Avenue Optometry. Call 516-200-0241 to schedule an appointment today.