6 Health Issues That Can Be Detected During An Eye Exam

Routine eye exams are vital to monitoring your overall health. It is a common misconception that it only detects vision problems or determines if you need eyeglasses. Your optometrist has access to advanced tools and knows techniques for detecting eye and health conditions. 

Read on to find out what they are. 

Eye and Health Issues Detected During Eye Exams

Glaucoma

Increased eye pressure inside the eyes can cause optic nerve damage. When left untreated, it can lead to permanent vision loss. 

Macular Degeneration

Age-related macular degeneration is a leading cause of vision loss in people over 50 worldwide. Regular eye exams help specialists catch early signs before significant vision changes occur. 

Diabetes

Healthcare professionals often use optometric examinations to reveal dryness or inflammation around the cornea. They are symptoms associated with type 2 diabetes or gestational diabetes. 

Hypertension

High blood pressure affects millions. It often has little to no symptoms until serious complications arise. Eye care and medical professionals strongly recommend monitoring this condition through routine exams.

High Cholesterol

The arteries at the backside of our eyeballs naturally narrow due to hypertension and high cholesterol levels. These abnormalities make blood vessels more visible, allowing doctors easily identify eye problems during an eye exam.

Thyroid Disorders

Signs of some thyroid disorders, such as Grave’s disease, tend to show up during eye exams. They affect how light reflects off different parts within our eyes, providing valuable insight into potential underlying conditions like Graves.  

Benefits of Early Detection

Early detection and treatment of eye conditions can help prevent significant vision loss. Moreover, your eye doctor can unveil early signs of health issues during an eye exam. It allows you to make necessary lifestyle changes or determine which medications may help improve overall health outcomes in the long run. Treating eye conditions in their initial stages is vital to good quality of life. 

Schedule your eye exam with Vienna Eyecare Center today! Besides comprehensive eye assessments, we offer eyeglasses and contact lenses. Call us at (703) 938-7633 or fill out our online form to schedule an appointment. We look forward to assisting patients in Fairfax, Reston and Tysons Corner, VA, and nearby communities.