Some Health Problems That Can Be Detected With A Comprehensive Eye Exam

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Some health problems the doctor can identify with an eye exam, more info here.

Did you know that an eye exam can be as effective as a physical in determining your health? Unfortunately, many Americans put off going to the eye doctor if they feel like their vision has not changed.

Comprehensive eye exams are important for many reasons. Your eyesight may change very gradually over time, and you may not even know that you need a stronger prescription. Your eye doctor will also perform several tests during the eye examination that will rule out eye disorders such as glaucoma, cataracts or retinal problems.

Along with eye-related concerns, eye doctors may even be able to detect other health issues during a comprehensive eye exam. In fact, you may even find yourself leaving the eye doctor with a referral to another specialist because of a specific test that your ophthalmologist performed during your comprehensive eye exam. Here are just a few health issues that may be discovered during an eye exam:


  1. Diabetes— Diabetes affects the small capillaries in the retina of the eyes. These blood vessels may leak blood or a yellowish fluid, and this may be discovered in an eye exam. If your eye doctor notices this condition, you may have a condition called diabetic retinopathy.
  2. Hypertension— Blood vessels in the eye may exhibit bends, kinks or tears, and this may be an indication of high blood pressure.
  3. Autoimmune disorders— If the eye is inflamed, this may be a sign of Lupus or another autoimmune disorder.
  4. High cholesterol— The cornea may have a yellowish appearance or a yellow ring around it which can be a sign of high cholesterol. There also may be plaques in the blood vessels of the retina which could indicate elevated cholesterol.
  5. Thyroid disease— One of the telltale signs of thyroid disease are bulging eyes or protruding eyeballs. This condition is also known as Graves Disease.
  6. Cancer— If your eye doctor notices that the structure of your eye is unusual, you may be referred to a specialist. Ocular melanoma can develop in the cells that make pigmentation in the eye. Your eye exam can also help detect skin cancer. Basal cell carcinomas can appear on the eyelid and could even spread to the brain through the eye.
  7. Tumors— Droopy eyelid or irregularly shaped pupils could possibly indicate a neck tumor or an aneurism (Source: Digital Journal).
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We have eye exams annually. My dad had macular degeneration and I want to keep on top of my eye health.

My husband's cousin was diagnosed with MS by her optometrist during an eye exam. (At least he told her she had the symptoms which sent her to a physician who confirmed the diagnosis.)
 
C'est Moi said:
We have eye exams annually. My dad had macular degeneration and I want to keep on top of my eye health.

My husband's cousin was diagnosed with MS by her optometrist during an eye exam. (At least he told her she had the symptoms which sent her to a physician who confirmed the diagnosis.)
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My man gets an annual eye exam that’s paid for by the government since he only has one and has macular degeneration in it
I get mine done every 2 years . It’s very important to get your eyes tested.
 

Loss of eyesight is probably the worst disability a person can have if they want to maintain any degree of independence. Quite often a problem can be corrected if it is found early enough....hence, a thorough annual eye exam is Very Important...especially as we age.
 
I’m sitting at the ophthalmologists right now typing this on my iphone! I have high eye pressure which is controlled by prescription eye drops. So far everything is good meaning I haven’t lost any peripheral vision. My insurance covers my visits and I go every 3-4 months.
 
Don M. said:
Loss of eyesight is probably the worst disability a person can have if they want to maintain any degree of independence.
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I haven't been getting exams annually, but I agree that our vision is precious. The only thing worse in my mind would be Alzheimer's, no independence once it progresses. If there was a choice, I think I would rather be blind. :(
 
I had a good exam! My pressure is normal, my vision hasn't changed so don't need new glasses.

He also said that even though I do have cataracts, they won't need surgery now...maybe in a couple years. I was very happy to hear that.

Next appointment in February! They really watch you if you have high pressure which is good!
 

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