9 Health Problems Eye Exams Can Detect

9 Health Problems Eye Exams Can Detect

9 Health Problems Eye Exams Can Detect

9 Health Problems Eye Exams Can Detect

Studies show that eye exams can detect different health problems. That is why the American Academy of Ophthalmology recommends having regular eye exams. This healthy routine can help you get the treatments you need for your general health. Here are the nine health problems that eye exams can spot.


 

1. Heart Disease



Research shows that your eye health has a direct connection to your heart health. An eye exam can detect many cardiovascular conditions before you receive a formal diagnosis. Studies reveal that tiny plaque deposits in the eye come from plaque buildup in the carotid artery. An eye doctor may order an imaging test or tell you to see your general doctor if there is a significant amount of plaque in your eye’s blood vessels.


 

2. High Blood Pressure



Sneezing or coughing too hard can cause bleeding in the eyes. But this type of bleeding is harmless, according to eye doctors. Even so, this eye bleeding can also be linked to high blood pressure. A small degree of eye swelling is another sign of high blood pressure. When this happens, the eye bulges, and the retina stiffens.


 

3. Rheumatoid Arthritis



This is a chronic inflammation of the joints. It also targets the eyes. Rheumatoid arthritis can show through dry eye syndrome in the eyes. It can also show through the inflammation of the sclera.


 

4. Diabetes



You may have good vision and show no symptoms of diabetes at all. But this does not mean that you do not have this health condition. The eye doctor can catch any retinal damage in its early stages. This can start the treatments during the early stages of the disease. Early efforts can prevent vision loss among diabetic patients.


 

5. Thyroid Disorder



Signs of hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid include retracting eyelids and protruding eyeballs. These symptoms may occur with dry eyes because the eyelids do not cover the eyes well. Your eye doctor can use an exophthalmometer during the eye exam. This instrument measures the degree of eye bulging.


 

6. Multiple Sclerosis



Many have multiple sclerosis, an autoimmune disease. With it, your body’s hyperactive immune system attacks its healthy nerve fibers. The symptoms appear based on the location of the inflammation. Studies show that the optic nerve is often one of the areas affected by multiple sclerosis.


 

7. Aneurysm



This condition is a formed bubble in a blood vessel’s wall. It weakens the wall. This leads to ruptures or leaks. Loss of the body or facial function and a severe headache on one side of the head are common signs of an aneurysm. Aneurysm will need immediate medical care. Your eye doctor can see any signs of this ailment by checking the blood vessels in your eyes.


 

8. Cancer



The eyelid is a common area for skin cancer to develop. This type of skin cancer can develop because of excessive sun exposure. The lower eyelid is commonly affected by this cancer. Melanoma can also occur in the muscle fibers surrounding the eyes’ lenses. This is often visible through a microscope.


 

9. Parkinson’s Disease



Research shows there is still no specific test for spotting Parkinson’s disease. To avoid misdiagnosis, doctors use eye movement measurements to assess for this disease. Studies show that patients with early stages of Parkinson’s often have ocular tremors before the other symptoms appear. Eye-tracking technology can spot these tremors. This can then provide early treatments.



Your eye doctor can help you get early treatments for health problems that may surface during eye exams. At Family Eye Clinic, we always do our best to provide our patients with quality eye care to complement their general health. Please visit our clinics in Midlothian, Cleburne, and Burleson, Texas, for a one-on-one consultation. Call us at 972-775-8000 (Midlothian), 817-645-2411 (Cleburne), or 817-295-0186 (Burleson) to set an appointment or inquire about our eye exam packages.

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