Did you know that a comprehensive eye exam can do more than just update your prescription? Your eyes are often called the "windows to your soul," but did you know that they also act as a window to your overall health?
Physical Conditions and Diseases Identified During Eye Exams
During a comprehensive eye exam at Simpson Optical, we not only check for vision problems but also assess the overall health of your eyes, which can reveal surprising clues about your body’s overall health. Here are some common health conditions that can be detected through a routine eye exam.
1. Diabetes
One of the most surprising conditions an eye exam can detect is diabetes. Diabetes can cause changes in the tiny blood vessels in the retina, leading to a condition known as diabetic retinopathy. Even if you aren’t experiencing any symptoms our eye doctors will be able to identify the telltale signs of this ocular disease.
2. High Blood Pressure
Elevated blood pressure, or hypertension, can also show up in the eyes before you notice any other symptoms. During your exam, we carefully examine the blood vessels at the back of your eye. Our eye doctors are trained to find indicators like narrowing or bleeding in the blood vessels – these are symptomatic of high blood pressure and early detection could save your life by preempting heart disease or the propensity of strokes.
3. Autoimmune Diseases
Studies have shown that autoimmune conditions, like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, can cause inflammation in the eyes. This may manifest as dry eyes, inflammation of the optic nerve, or other issues. We will work with you to manage these ocular symptoms with our eye condition treatments like TearCare® System for dry eye.
4. High Cholesterol
High cholesterol levels can sometimes be detected through an eye exam by observing yellowish deposits in the blood vessels of your eyes. These deposits can indicate a higher risk of heart disease, and our team can help you address these risks by coordinating with your primary care provider.
Take Care of Your Eyes and Protect Your Health
Your eyes can reveal a lot about your overall health, often catching conditions early before symptoms arise. At Simpson Optical, we provide comprehensive care to help you maintain your eye health and uncover any potential health concerns. Schedule your eye exam at your nearest practice and take a proactive step toward protecting your vision and health.