3 Things Your Optometrist Can Tell You About Your Health During an Eye Exam

The eyes have often been called the window to the soul, but they are also a window to your internal health. A routine eye exam could very well yield you new insight into what is taking place inside your body because many common conditions have an effect on the eyes. Take a look at some of the things your optometrist can tell you about your overall health during an eye exam.

High Blood Pressure

Hypertension is often referred to as the “silent killer” because so many people have no idea they have blood pressure issues. It is not at all uncommon for people to first learn that they have high blood pressure when they visit the eye doctor for a routine exam. High blood pressure can generate changes in the vessels that lead to the retina, and bleeding from the new blood vessels in the retina can also be present. Those with high blood pressure are prone to having issues with blurred vision due to these issues.

Diabetes

There are tiny and somewhat fragile vessels in the retina of the eye. When someone has diabetes, these vessels can seep fluids that are a yellow color and blood as well, and these symptoms can be spotted during a routine eye exam. Diabetic retinopathy, one of the number one causes of blindness in this country, is a condition relative to this kind of ocular reaction to unstable blood sugar levels. Even though diabetic retinopathy is not curable, treatments are available to help slow the progression of the disease.

Tumors or Aneurysm

Something like an eyelid that is droopy or pupils that have an irregular shape are strong signs of something serious taking place inside the body. According to the Digital Journal, these symptoms can be indicative of a tumor in the neck or even an aneurysm, both of which are serious medical conditions that should be examined right away. If your optometrist suspects something is wrong, they will likely refer you to a physician for further treatment.

If you neglect to have your eyes examined regularly, you could easily miss out on some insightful information about your overall health. Contact us at Riverdale Vision Care in New Jersey for advice about your eye health or to schedule an appointment.