While the primary motive behind comprehensive eye examinations is to evaluate eye health, these checkups play a much larger role in overall health evaluation than many might realize. In fact, eye checkups can occasionally be the first line of defense in identifying various systemic health issues. Dr. Wes Heroman will discuss how regular eye examinations can detect disorders unrelated to vision or eye health.
High Blood Pressure and Diabetes
Dr. Wes Heroman Regular eye checkups can play a crucial role in diagnosing hypertension and diabetes. These conditions can cause changes in the retina – visible during an eye exam – long before any other physical symptoms appear. The presence of tiny, ruptured blood vessels on the retina’s surface might suggest hypertension, while leaky blood vessels could be a sign of diabetes.
High Cholesterol
A gray ring around the cornea, especially in individuals under 60, could indicate high cholesterol levels. Additionally, yellowish lumps on the eyelids are often a sign of high cholesterol levels as well.
Neurological Disorders
Issues such as double vision, loss of visual accuracy, or eye movement limitations may indicate neurological disorders like Multiple Sclerosis or a brain tumor. These symptoms, typically noticed during an eye exam, often prompt further medical evaluation.
Autoimmune Disorders
Certain autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, can cause eye inflammation, dry eyes, or unusual light sensitivity, easily detectable during an eye examination.
Skin Cancer
Changes in the eye’s tissue or growths on the skin surrounding the eye can often reveal signs of skin cancer. An eye healthcare provider may be the first one to identify these symptoms. While routine eye checkups primarily serve to detect and manage eye-related conditions, their role in systemic health diagnostics should never be underestimated.
Dr. Wes Heroman Regular eye examinations can flag the early onset of many health issues, making them an integral part of an overall health maintenance strategy. Organizing regular comprehensive eye checkups is not only an investment for good vision but also a step towards improved general health.
