Underlying Health Concerns an Optometrist Can Identify During an Eye Exam
Regular eye checkups help maintain eye health and overall well-being. During an eye exam, an optometrist can diagnose vision problems and other health issues that may require further treatment. Here are some underlying health conditions that your eye doctor may notice during an eye exam:
High Blood Pressure
Your optometrist can identify blood vessel bends, constriction, or bleeding that can indicate elevated blood pressure. Untreated high blood pressure or hypertension can lead to heart attacks and strokes. Hypertension may present symptoms like headaches, shortness of breath, and changes in vision. High blood pressure poses a risk for disorders that might cause blindness, including retinopathy and eye nerve damage. Treating retinopathy requires managing hypertension, as retinopathy may not present noticeable symptoms until the disease progresses.
Diabetes
Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina, resulting in blood or yellow fluid being released from the blood vessels. A thorough eye exam allows your doctor to check for tiny hemorrhages and edema in the eyes that may indicate diabetes. Early detection can help you treat and manage this condition to prevent potential vision loss linked to diabetes. Type 1 diabetes exists from birth and can be detected early, while Type 2 develops over time. Many of the early warning signs of diabetes may go unnoticed, but an eye examination can help detect some symptoms.
Thyroid Disease
Your metabolism is regulated by the hormones produced in the thyroid gland located in your neck. An overactive or underactive thyroid can result in several conditions, including thyroid illness. Symptoms of thyroid problems include exhaustion, weight gain or loss, vision problems, and irritated eyes. To identify thyroid disease, eye doctors look for signs like protruding eyeballs, retracted eyelids, and dry eyes.
Heart Disease
Eye exams may help identify cardiovascular disorders due to the close relationship between the heart and the eyes. An optometrist may be able to detect coronary heart disease symptoms, such as changes in the blood flow through the eye’s blood vessels. Coronary heart disease causes plaque accumulation in the circulatory system from cholesterol and other substances. This accumulation can block the heart’s blood channels fully or partially, causing a heart attack. If your eye doctor notices signs of plaques in your eyes, they will refer you to a cardiologist for further imaging and tests.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is commonly associated with inflammation of the joints, but it can also affect the eyes. This form of arthritis causes scleritis, or inflammation of the eye’s white outer layer, resulting in dry eyes and severe eye pain. Your optometrist may detect scleritis during regular vision checkups and suggest potential treatment options. Treating rheumatoid arthritis may involve applying lubricating drops or topical ointments to manage the symptoms.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis occurs when the body’s immune system becomes hyperactive and malfunctions. It begins to attack and damage healthy nerve fibers in the central nervous system. An eye specialist can view the retina and optic nerve during a standard eye examination, allowing them to identify damage to the nerve and surrounding tissue. If the optic nerve is pallid and has lost color, this may be a sign of damage caused by multiple sclerosis.
Find An Optometrist Near You
Contact an optometrist near you if you have concerns about your eye health or need a vision test. These professionals will provide a comprehensive eye examination, which helps them correct your vision and diagnose eye problems and other health conditions impairing vision. Schedule an eye exam today to learn more about how your eyes are connected to your overall health.
