When we think about eye exams, we often consider them essential only for checking vision and ensuring prescriptions for glasses or contact lenses are up to date. However, a comprehensive eye exam is often much more useful. Indeed, it can be a crucial tool in detecting not only eye conditions but also physical conditions that can affect your overall health.
This blog explores the significance of regular eye exams in safeguarding your overall health.
All About Comprehensive Eye Exams
A comprehensive eye exam at an eye care center evaluates both your vision and the health of your eyes. Key aspects of our exams include:
- Visual Acuity Test: Measures your vision sharpness.
- Refraction Test: Determines your prescription for glasses or contact lenses.
- Tonometry: Measures intraocular pressure to screen for glaucoma.
- Retinal Imaging: Allows the doctor to examine the retina and optic nerve for signs of damage.
These tests help detect common eye diseases like glaucoma, cataracts, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). They also allow us to offer eye disease management for tailored eye health care.
Systemic Diseases Detected Through Eye Exams
Diabetes
Diabetes can lead to diabetic retinopathy, where blood vessels in the retina are damaged by high blood sugar levels. An eye exam can detect this condition before diabetes symptoms become apparent in the body.
Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
High blood pressure can cause hypertensive retinopathy, leading to changes in the blood vessels in the retina. Signs include retinal hemorrhages and narrowed arteries, which can indicate severe hypertension.
Cholesterol Issues
High cholesterol can cause deposits in the retina's blood vessels. These deposits signal elevated cholesterol levels and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Autoimmune Disorders
Eye exams can detect inflammation from autoimmune disorders like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, which can trigger an eye disease called uveitis or dry eye syndrome.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
Optic neuritis, an inflammation of the optic nerve, can be an early sign of MS. Detecting this during an eye exam can lead to a timely diagnosis and treatment, helping you be proactive when it comes to your health.
When to Schedule a Medical Eye Exam
- Annually: Adults should have a medical eye exam at least once a year, especially if they have risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or have a family history of eye diseases.
- Every 1-2 Years: Children and young adults should have regular eye exams to ensure proper vision development and detect any early signs of eye problems.
- Immediately: If you experience sudden changes in vision, eye pain, or other concerning symptoms, visit our eye care center right away.
Schedule A Comprehensive Eye Exam in Westwood
Eye exams are crucial for maintaining eye health and detecting systemic diseases early. Request an appointment today at Valley Eye Associates in Westwood.