Your eyes play a crucial role in your daily life. They allow you to see the world, send messages, and enjoy your favorite shows or movies. Many people assume that eye exams are only necessary when vision problems arise, but that’s not the case. Regular checkups can help detect eye conditions early and, surprisingly, sometimes reveal signs of other health issues. Let’s explore several diseases that an eye exam can help uncover.
Diseases That Can Be Detected During an Eye Exam
Your eyes are made up of nerves, blood vessels, and other essential components, each playing a vital role in clear vision. Specific systemic health issues can manifest in your eyes. While these signs might be subtle, trained eye care professionals can often spot them. Below, we highlight some conditions that an eye exam can sometimes detect.
Diabetes
Diabetes affects how your body processes glucose. When glucose doesn’t enter cells properly, it accumulates in the bloodstream, raising blood sugar levels.
During an eye exam, a professional might notice fluid leakage from the tiny blood vessels in the retina—a potential indicator of diabetic retinopathy. In some cases, these signs appear even before a formal diabetes diagnosis, allowing for early detection and intervention.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the joints, causing pain, inflammation, and sometimes more serious complications. It can also affect other parts of the body.
Some individuals with rheumatoid arthritis may experience deep eye pain and redness, which could indicate scleritis—an inflammation of the eye’s white part. Dry eyes may also be linked to this condition and can sometimes be observed during an eye exam.
Cardiovascular Conditions
Your heart constantly pumps blood throughout your body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to every tissue.
Eye exams may reveal bleeding or abnormalities in the small arteries at the back of your eye, potentially indicating high blood pressure—a significant risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Advanced imaging, like optical coherence tomography, can also detect retinal marks associated with “eye strokes,” which are more common in individuals with heart disease.
Stroke Risk
Sometimes, eye exams can reveal a higher risk of stroke. Clots or blockages in the blood vessels supplying the retina may cause vision problems, such as a curtain-like shadow across your vision.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Healthy eyes require certain vitamins, and deficiencies can sometimes be detected during an eye exam. Vitamin A deficiency, for example, may manifest as night blindness or dry eyes.
Thyroid Issues
An eye exam can also uncover thyroid problems. The thyroid gland, located in the neck, produces hormones that regulate many bodily functions.
Hyperthyroidism, caused by an overactive thyroid, can lead to protruding eyeballs and retracted eyelids—signs that an optometrist may notice during an exam.
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Certain sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can affect the eyes. Conditions such as HIV, herpes, syphilis, chlamydia, and genital warts may manifest in the eyes, and in some cases, an eye exam may detect these infections before other symptoms appear.
High Cholesterol
Elevated LDL cholesterol and triglycerides can cause blood vessel blockages, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. During an eye exam, a professional may notice a blue or yellow ring around the cornea or cholesterol deposits in retinal blood vessels, prompting further testing.
Conclusion
Our eyes often reveal more than just vision problems. Regular eye exams can detect subtle changes that may indicate severe health conditions, from diabetes and cardiovascular issues to vitamin deficiencies and thyroid disorders. Prioritizing your eye health can provide valuable insights into your overall well-being.