{"id":9992,"date":"2021-02-21T16:51:37","date_gmt":"2021-02-21T16:51:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/?page_id=9992"},"modified":"2021-11-04T10:15:19","modified_gmt":"2021-11-04T10:15:19","slug":"eyes-the-windows-to-your-health","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.optometrists.org\/general-practice-optometry\/guide-to-eye-health\/eyes-the-windows-to-your-health\/","title":{"rendered":"Eye Health"},"content":{"rendered":"

Eyes are known as the \u2018windows to your soul\u2019, but they are the window to your health as well<\/b>.<\/h2>\n

According to Eye-Q, over 20% of Americans say an eye doctor detected a health issue – not related to the eyes.<\/i><\/p>\n

A recent study performed by Optum, found that early signs of chronic disease can be identified through comprehensive eye exams by eye care practitioners.<\/p>\n

Diseases such as diabetes<\/a>, high cholesterol, heart and vascular diseases<\/a>, and even some forms of cancer<\/a> could be detected during an eye exam.<\/p>\n

If you haven\u2019t visited your eye doctor recently now is the time.\u00a0<\/i><\/p>\n

Eye and your health<\/b><\/h2>\n

Eye exams can reveal more than just eye health.<\/b><\/p>\n

During an eye exam, eye doctors may detect general health conditions early. Detecting any condition early on allows for improved and faster outcomes.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a list of how eyes can be a window to your health;<\/p>\n

1. Diabetes<\/b><\/h2>\n

Diabetes<\/a> can cause damage to the blood vessels of the body and in the retina, the eye exam can reveal signs of Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) and Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)<\/b>.<\/p>\n

During an eye exam, the eye doctor can detect leaked blood or plasma from damaged vessels in the eye. The eye doctor will then either monitor this condition or may refer the patient to doctors such as an endocrinologist or vascular surgeon.<\/p>\n

Today eye dosctors use advanced technologies such as digital retinal exam<\/a>s and OCT scanners<\/a>. The earlier diabetic eye disease is diagnosed and managed, the better the chances are of preserving eyesight.<\/p>\n

2. Brain cancer & stroke<\/b><\/h2>\n

Certain brain cancers and strokes<\/a> can affect the appearance of the blood vessels in the eye.<\/b><\/p>\n

During an eye exam, an eye doctor can occasionally detect an issue taking place in the brain by examining the blood vessels in the eyes.<\/p>\n

If shadows or swelling in the eye is detected, it may indicate a serious condition in the brain, like a tumor, or clots that might result in a stroke.<\/p>\n

3. Hypertension<\/b><\/h2>\n

The shape and appearance of the blood vessels in the back of the eye can be a sign of high blood pressure<\/b>.<\/p>\n

Hypertension can be detected during an eye exam, sometimes even before it\u2019s diagnosed by your regular doctor. The damaged blood vessels lead to hemorrhages, leaking, and swelling \u2014 all of which can be observed in the eyes.<\/p>\n

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), hypertension the \u201csilent killer\u201d affects nearly 1 in 3 adults, however up to 20% of those people don\u2019t even know they have it!<\/p>\n

Early detection of the signs of hypertension at an eye doctor\u2019s evaluation can truly be life-saving.<\/p>\n

The Find an Eye Doctor<\/a> directory provides a list of eye doctors near you that can conduct an eye exam and possibly detect any early signs of other serious health issues<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

SEE RELATED:<\/strong> 15 Actions that Impact Your Eye Health<\/a><\/p>\n\n\t

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