Many people don’t understand why it’s important to have yearly eye exams. Sometimes people don’t think it’s necessary if they don’t wear glasses or contacts. And often people believe that if there was a problem they would notice it.
Unfortunately, this is not always the case. There are a number of conditions that begin painlessly which is why preventative care is so important. An ophthalmologist who is familiar with your health history will be able to spot things you may not have noticed.
Don’t take any chances with your vision or your health! Here are four conditions that your doctor will be able to spot at your yearly eye exam:
- Diabetes
Did you know that there could be as many as 8 million people who have diabetes but are undiagnosed? Often, diabetes is first spotted during an eye exam. That’s because diabetes directly affects the small blood vessels in your eyes.
If left untreated, the blood vessels in the eyes can become closed off and restrict the blood flow completely. This is a condition called diabetic retinopathy and it can cause permanent damage to your vision.
- Arthritis
Because arthritis affects your joints, it’s not something most people would expect an ophthalmologist to diagnose. However, it can cause inflammation in other parts of your body, including your eyes. This inflammation can easily be spotted in routine check-ups.
- High cholesterol or heart problems
If the pigmentation of your eyes suddenly changes this can indicate high cholesterol. And if your blood vessels have tears in them this can be an indication of hypertension.
- Thyroid disease
If your eyes suddenly look different or appear to be bulging this can be a sign of thyroid disease. It can also cause a gritty feeling in your eyes and make you extra sensitive to bright lights,
Your eyes aren’t just the windows to your soul, they are also the windows to your health. Can you remember when your last visit to the eye doctor was?
If the answer is no, that’s okay. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.
