9
Jan

Have you heard the phrase that the “eyes are the window to the soul?” The truth is that the eyes can also be the window to your health. When an eye doctor completes a comprehensive eye exam, they can often identify early signs of systemic health issues. For example, patients with heart disease or diabetes commonly have noticeable changes in their eyes.

In this article, we are taking a look at the way your eyes can shed light on your overall wellness. Not only do regular eye exams ensure that you can see clearly, but these appointments are also essential to help you live a long and healthy life.

The Link: Eyes and Systemic Health

Even though they are small, the blood vessels, nerves, and tissues within the eyes are interlinked with the bigger circulatory and nervous systems. If you have any issues with the systemic nervous system, then these signs will eventually start to show up in the eyes.

In fact, it’s possible that an eye doctor could notice signs of high cholesterol or blood pressure before you start to notice symptoms in other parts of your body. In this situation, your eye doctor will likely suggest that you meet with your primary care physician or a specialist to determine an accurate diagnosis.

What Health Conditions Can Be Detected in the Eyes?

Some of the most common health conditions that affect the eyes include:

• Diabetes: A condition known as diabetic retinopathy occurs when blood sugar levels are uncontrolled, which causes damage to the eyes.
• High Blood Pressure: When a person is suffering from hypertension, the high pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels located in the retina.
• Autoimmune Conditions: If a person has an autoimmune condition, then it means that the immune system is attacking the body. Certain autoimmune conditions can increase inflammation in the eyes, including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
• Thyroid Disease: If your thyroid is imbalanced, then it might cause the eyes to bulge. Sometimes, thyroid issues are linked with changes in vision.
• Neurological Disorders: Patients who are diagnosed with optic neuritis could also have systemic health issues affecting the nervous system, such as thyroid imbalances.

Regular Eye Exams are Essential to Protect Your Health

As you can see, regular eye exams are more than a determination of whether you need vision-correction lenses. The eye doctor also uses advanced diagnostic tools to look for the early stages of various systemic diseases. So, maintaining a consistent eye exam schedule can help to protect your overall health.

Is it time for an eye checkup? Contact our team at Temecula Creek Optometry to schedule your appointment: (951) 302 -1331.