Your eyes aren't just the windows to your soul — they can also reveal valuable information about your general health, including diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer. It is not unusual for people to come in for an eye exam just to check their eyesight and then have certain health issues picked up by the optometrist.

Eye Exams and Your Health

Eye examinations can help doctors detect general health conditions early enough to intervene. Advanced screenings enable eye doctors to better predict cardiovascular incidents like stroke and detect signs of mental changes such as Alzheimer's.

Brain Cancer and Stroke

Because of the similarities between the blood vessels in the eye and brain, an eye doctor can occasionally detect an issue taking place in the brain by examining blood vessels in the eyes.

Diabetes

Diabetes can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina. If an optometrist detects leaky blood vessels in the eye, the patient would be advised to see a doctor to help control their blood sugar.

Hypertension

High blood pressure can be detected during an eye exam, sometimes even before it's diagnosed by your regular doctor. The damaged blood vessels lead to swelling, hemorrhages, and leaking, all of which can be observed in the eyes.

High Cholesterol

High cholesterol is among the easiest conditions to spot during a complete eye exam, as cholesterol deposits can manifest on the front of the eye.

Heart Conditions

Plaque buildup in the arteries can also lead to deposits that clog the ocular arteries. If an optometrist detects such changes, they will typically recommend seeing a specialist.

Multiple Sclerosis

Sudden vision loss may be attributed to Multiple Sclerosis. While the optometrist can recognize signs of MS, such cases will be referred for further testing to confirm the diagnosis.

Your Eye Doctor's Appointment Could Change Your Life

A comprehensive eye exam can do more than determine your eyeglasses prescription. The team at Dayton Optometric Center in Kettering, Ohio can evaluate your eyes for existing or potential health issues. Call us at (937) 228-2020 to schedule your appointment today.