Your Eyes Are the Windows to Your Health

Your eyes aren't just the windows to your soul — they can also reveal valuable information about your general health beyond whether you need glasses, including diabetes, heart disease, and even cancer.

Eye Exams and Your Health

Eye examinations can help doctors detect general health conditions early enough to intervene. Advanced screenings enable eye doctors to predict cardiovascular incidents like stroke, and possibly detect signs of mental changes such as Alzheimer's.

Brain Cancer & Stroke

Because of the similarities between the blood vessels in the eye and brain, an eye doctor can occasionally detect an issue in the brain by examining the blood vessels in the eyes. Swelling or shadows may indicate a tumor or clots that could result in a stroke.

Diabetes

Diabetes can damage the blood vessels in the retina. If an optometrist detects leaky blood vessels in the eye, the patient would be advised to see a doctor to help control their blood sugar. Changes are gradual and often start before visual symptoms are noticed.

Hypertension

High blood pressure can be detected during an eye exam, sometimes before it's diagnosed by your regular doctor. According to the CDC, hypertension affects nearly 1 in 3 adults, and up to 20% of those don't even know they have it.

High Cholesterol

Eye exams can detect cholesterol buildup. High cholesterol may appear as a thin, gray rim around the cornea and can also be detected in the retina by assessing artery and vein patterns.

Heart Conditions and Multiple Sclerosis

Heart conditions associated with plaque buildup can lead to deposits that clog the ocular arteries. Additionally, sudden vision loss may be an early indicator of Multiple Sclerosis, which an optometrist can recognize through the color and appearance of the optic nerve.

Cancer

Breast cancer, leukemia, and other metastatic cancers are occasionally discovered during an eye evaluation. Eye exams save lives.

Your Eye Doctor's Appointment Could Change Your Life

The next time you visit St. Clairsville Eyecare in St. Clairsville, remember that a comprehensive eye exam can do more than determine your prescription. We can evaluate your eyes for existing or potential health issues and communicate them to your primary care physician for the best possible care. Contact us at (740) 695-0444.