Are there health conditions I may not know I have that can be detected through an eye exam?
“There are a number of health conditions that can be detected though a comprehensive eye exam.
Eye exams are an easy way to protect your eyes and your health in general. Something as simple as a routine eye exam can detect signs of serious health conditions.
Here’s a quick look at just a few health issues that may be detected during an eye exam:
- Diabetes: Diabetes affects the small capillaries in the retina of the eyes, causing blood vessels to leak blood or yellowish fluid.
- Hypertension: Bends, tears or kinks in the blood vessels of the eye may be indicative of high blood pressure.
- High cholesterol: A yellowish cornea, a yellow ring around the cornea, or plaques in the blood vessels of the retinas are all signs of high cholesterol.
- Autoimmune disorders: Inflamed eyes could be a sign of Lupus or another autoimmune disorder.
- Thyroid disease: Bulging or protruding eyeballs are often associated with thyroid disease. This condition is also called Graves Disease.
- Tumors: A droopy eyelid or irregularly shaped pupils could be an indication of a neck tumor or an aneurism.
- Cancer (ocular melanoma, skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma): Your doctor will refer you to a specialist if the structure of your eye is unusual.
Don’t put off going to the eye doctor just because you feel your vision hasn’t changed. You may leave your eye doctor with a referral to another specialist because of a specific test performed during your comprehensive eye exam. I recommend having a comprehensive eye exam once a year to ensure optimum eye health and overall physical wellness.”
– Dr. Edward Hu, Comprehensive Ophthalmologist and Refractive Cataract Surgeon