Did you know that your eyes reveal a large percentage of both ocular and general health issues? Here are 3 health conditions that can be spotted early on during a routine eye exam.
Your eyes are one of the most important organs of your body, yet sadly, the majority of Calgarians neglect their yearly eye exam. However, scheduling regular check-ups with your optometrist is very important because this will:
- Protect your ocular health
- Keep your vision clear and comfortable
- Ensure your prescription is updated and current
- Allow for the early detection of serious health conditions such as diabetes, a brain tumor, or even stroke.
Protect Your Vision and Overall Health With Our Comprehensive Eye Exams
At Sunridge Eye Clinic, our qualified team of optometrists offer comprehensive eye exams for adults, children, and seniors. We are able to evaluate the eye and overall health of your entire family and recommend the necessary treatment to ensure the longevity of your vision and well-being.
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3 Health Conditions That Can Be Detected Through an Eye Exam
Your eyes are the window to your overall health and regular eye exams may even allow your optometrist to detect certain diseases such as multiple sclerosis or diabetes early on, allowing for early intervention.
Here are 3 important health conditions that can possibly be detected through a yearly eye exam:
1. Diabetes
Diabetic retinopathy is a complication of diabetes that affects the eyes. It is caused by damage to the blood vessels in the retina and is a leading cause of vision loss in North America amongst patients aged 20-65. Diabetes can also increase your risk of glaucoma.
What you experience: In the early stages of diabetic retinopathy, you may not experience any symptoms. That’s why it’s so important to visit your optometrist for regular eye checks.
What your eye doctor sees: Your eye doctor will be able to see if there is any damage to your tiny blood vessels in the retina, which are often caused by chronic high blood sugar levels. They may also notice some swelling around the macula.
Remember: The only way to diagnose diabetic retinopathy is through a dilated eye exam. Visiting your eye doctor annually gives you an opportunity to have your diabetes diagnosed sooner rather than later
2. Stroke
A stroke is caused by the interruption of blood flow, either due to ruptured blood vessels or a clot. During a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist may be able to detect blocked blood vessels in the back of your eye, which could indicate a high stroke risk.
Why eye exams are so important: Eye exams are very important for stroke prevention, especially for seniors, because your optometrist may help detect a stroke before it even happens. They can then send you for appropriate testing and treatment to ensure your well-being.
3. High Blood Pressure
HIgh blood pressure can put a lot of strain on your vascular system, and if left undetected or untreated, it can lead to a heart attack or stroke. There are rarely any symptoms of high blood pressure, though patients may experience sudden vision loss or blurring. When this happens, you must contact your optometrist immediately.
How regular eye exams can protect your health: Your optometrist can look for changes in the blood vessels at the back of your eye, including any leakages or hemorrhages, as well as changes to the appearance of your vessels.
If your eye doctor notices anything suspicious, they can refer you to your family doctor who can recommend lifestyle changes and treatment options to prevent future heart disease.
Symptoms to Watch Out For: When to Call Your Eye Doctor
Alongside your optometrist, you play a very important role in protecting your ocular and overall health. That’s why you must always be on the lookout for changes to your vision or the appearance of your eyes.
Here are some things you should be aware of:
- Bulging eyes could be a sign of thyroid disease. It is often associated with the swelling of the muscles and tissue of the eye.
- Pupil abnormalities. Any changes to your pupils, or abnormalities, such as different sized pupils, could signal an underlying medical condition.
- Chronic dry eye. Chronic dry eye can be more than just uncomfortable. It could also be an early sign of rheumatoid arthritis.
Call Today
Are you due for an eye exam? Are you experiencing any changes to your vision? To find out more about our comprehensive vision services, and how our eye doctors can help protect your ocular and overall health, visit us at 2525 36 St NE, Unit 157 Calgary, Alberta, T1Y 5T4.
Alternatively, you can contact our optometrists at 403-280-7518 or book an appointment online.
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