You may think an eye exam is just that — a routine inspection of the eye to detect any issues with your eyes and visual health.
In reality, eye exams can do so much more. Our bodies are complex and interconnected, and it’s common for a condition to present in multiple ways. In fact, many conditions that affect other parts of the body can be detected in the eyes, allowing your optometrist to identify a range of medical issues.
If it’s been more than a year since your last visit to the optometrist, call Lauren Alexander Vision Source today to schedule your comprehensive eye exam.
Six Conditions an Eye Exam Can Help Detect
Diabetes
While diabetes is one of the leading causes of vision loss among American adults, it can be detected before vision is significantly impacted. When a person has diabetes, it can affect the blood vessels in the eye. Your optometrist can spot this before diabetes has an impact on your vision.
Cancer
It’s not just eye cancers that can be detected during a routine eye exam. Some cancers, such as leukemia, have effects on the eye that can also be observed with an eye exam.
Stroke
Strokes are caused when plaque in your bloodstream reaches the brain and causes a blockage. Fortunately, an optometrist or ophthalmologist can spot plaque buildup in the blood vessels in your eye before a stroke occurs.
Heart Disease
Early symptoms of heart disease can include reduced or blocked blood supply to the retina of your eye. Your eye doctor can spot this during an eye exam by using a special instrument to take a look at this light-sensitive tissue.
High Blood Pressure
While inspecting the back of the eye, your optometrist might spot oddly shaped blood vessels or bleeding — this can be a sign of high blood pressure.
High Cholesterol
An optometrist can detect high cholesterol if they see a blue or yellow ring around the eye's cornea.
Schedule Your Eye Exam in San Antonio Today!
Remember that your eyes are connected to the rest of your body and can serve as good indicators of other underlying health problems. Take charge of your health today and book an eye exam at any one of our locations in San Antonio, San Antonio, or Alamo Ranch. You can view our hours here. We look forward to serving you!
FAQ
Q: Can my eye doctor make an official diagnosis of issues outside of visual health?
- A: While an eye doctor can certainly spot warning signs and make you aware of them, it is best to follow up with the relevant health professionals for a diagnosis.
Q: Can my eye doctor offer treatments for any of these conditions?
- A: It is best to consult with your primary care physician for treatment options to address general health concerns.