Eye Care: 7 Reasons Not To Put Off Your Next Eye Exam
7 Health Conditions An Eye Exam May Detect Early
Eye health is an important but often overlooked part of our yearly wellness routine. Comprehensive eye exams are not only good for detecting eye diseases, but can help lead to early detection of Vitamin A deficiencies, thyroid imbalances, diabetes, autoimmune conditions (like MS and rheumatoid arthritis), heart-related conditions, cancer, and even strokes. Seeing your optometrist for regular eye exams can help them keep an eye on your overall health and ensure you have healthy eyes.
If you have a family history of heart disease, cancer, or other diseases listed below, it is important for you to get an annual eye exam. Many of these diseases (and other health problems) can be detected early with regular eye exams and a treatment plan can be made to address vision issues and other eye problems.
1. Vitamin A deficiency
Those with Celiac Disease, Cystic Fibrosis, and other diseases which impair your ability to absorb vitamins are at greater risk of vitamin deficiencies which can lead to vision and eye problems. Studies show there is a strong link between dry eyes and a lack of Vitamin A. Reduction in Vitamin A intake or absorption prevents your eyes from becoming lubricated enough, which can ultimately lead to vision loss and blindness.
2. Thyroid
If you have an over active thyroid, this may cause eye soreness, dry eyes, and blurry vision. A comprehensive eye exam can help link these symptoms to an overactive thyroid when eye and vision problems are viewed in conjunction with other regular wellness exams. One of the more well-known symptoms of hyperthyroidism are protruding eyeballs and retracted eyelids.
Other symptoms of an overactive thyroid include redness or swelling, pressure behind the eyes, sensitivity to light, and a “foreign body sensation” (the feeling that something is stuck in your eye.) Patients with hyperthyroidism may also experience dry eye, blurred vision, or vision loss. It is important to see an eye doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms, so they can perform the appropriate exam and make proper recommendations.
3. Risk of Diabetes
According to the National Eye Institute, it is important for people with diabetes to have a comprehensive dilated eye exam, as they can develop diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that affects the tiny blood vessels in your retina, and can be detected when there is leaking in those same blood vessels.
Eye exams look not just at the visible part of your eye, but also behind your eye and can detect any abnormalities with the blood vessels or vision. People with diabetes are also at risk for cataracts, glaucoma, and macular edema (swelling and fluid build-up in the center of the retina).
4. Autoimmune Conditions
Annual eye exams can also help detect early signs of autoimmune diseases. Chronic disease management isn’t just about living with your symptoms: it’s important to monitor them, and receiving an annual comprehensive eye exam can play a large role in that. A routine eye exam looks at your optic nerve which, when inflamed, can be a sign of Multiple Sclerosis.
Another common chronic disease, rheumatoid arthritis, can also manifest by exhibiting symptoms in your eyes, including redness, severe pain, and dry eyes. Routine eye exams are a helpful tool in catching the early stages of many chronic conditions, and can lend a hand in managing the symptoms before they become unbearable for the patient.
5. Heart related Conditions
The blood vessels in the back of your eyes are closely connected to your heart, and problems with the heart can thus be seen by a doctor performing regular eye exams. High blood pressure or high cholesterol can cause damage to the vessels in your eyes which may be sign of a heart condition and should be checked out by eye doctor.
In addition to diabetic retinopathy (mentioned above), standard retinopathy can be a sign of hypertension. Increased pressure in the heart and artery walls can be seen as swelling or changes to the retinal veins (called optic neuropathy). Age-related macular degeneration (also known as AMD) is another symptom of high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
6. Cancer
Melanoma, leukemia, and brain tumors can all be detected in an eye exam due to symptoms that these types of cancer can cause. Melanoma can be detected when a doctor looks through the pupil to the back of the eye; if dark spots are seen, they may order more testing to determine if it’s related to ocular melanoma. In addition to melanoma, other skin cancers like basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, can exhibit symptoms on the outer surfaces of your eyes as well.
Leukemia, a cancer of the blood-forming tissues, can cause hemorrhages in the retina and other parts of the eye, and spots (also called “floaters”) can be signs of leukemia.
Finally, brain tumors can cause pressure on parts of your brain that affect vision, sometimes causing blurred vision, vision loss, and spots in your vision. It’s important to see an optometrist regularly so they can note any abnormalities in your eyes and send you for further testing, if needed.
7. Stroke
As mentioned, eye exams look at the blood vessels that supply blood to the eyes. Blockages or clots in the retina blood vessels can be risk factors for stroke. These blockages or clots can cause poor vision and even blind spots. Other changes to your blood vessels that can indicate the risk of stroke include thickening or narrowing of blood vessels in the retina and leakages of the blood vessels.
Strokes can be difficult to predict, but maintaining a healthy lifestyle and receiving regular eye exams (as well as other checkups) can be an added layer of protection.
Conclusion
If you have a family history of certain diseases or experience any of the symptoms mentioned, it’s imperative to prioritize annual eye exams. Remember that while eye exams can raise suspicions of health problems, further assessment and treatment plans by specialists or primary care providers are essential.
By making eye care a consistent part of your wellness routine, you are taking proactive steps toward preserving your vision and safeguarding your overall health. Don’t delay – schedule your next eye exam today with our Fort Collins optometrists, and invest in a brighter, healthier future for your eyes and your entire body.
Disclaimer
Please note that the above symptoms don’t guarantee you have certain eye diseases or health condition. Whenever an eye exam reveals a possible health problem, your eye doctor will recommend further testing by a specialist or your primary care provider. If you are suffering from any of the above symptoms, please contact your eye doctor and schedule a comprehensive eye exam.
Dr. Eric Torgerson
Owner at Poudre Valley Eyecare
Dr. Eric Torgerson is the owner of Poudre Valley Eyecare, and has been recognized for his contributions to optometry and his commitment to community health through various roles and accolades within the Northern Colorado Optometric Society and the Colorado Optometric Association.
Why Choose Us?
Our advanced technology and individualized care deliver results for patients of all ages. Our routine exams allow us to spot changes in your vision and allow us to treat those changes early. We have a comprehensive understanding of eye care, which means we can treat a wide range of conditions and chronic diseases. Our in-depth routine exams and customized treatment plans set us apart from the rest.
