Many individuals do not schedule regular eye exams as part of their annual health checkups. That is unfortunate since the eyes serve as the primary source of perception. They are a crucial part of one’s health and well-being. Individuals of all ages and vision capabilities need to prioritize regular eye exams.
WHAT IS A REGULAR EYE EXAM?
A routine comprehensive eye exam is a thorough examination of the eyes and visual system. The goal is to assess eye health and detect potential vision or health issues. An eye doctor will perform a series of tests and evaluations during the exam. These tests aim to determine the following:
- Visual acuity
- Eye movement and alignment
- Eye muscles
- Eye coordination
- The health of the front and back of the eye
The optometrist or ophthalmologist will ask you about your medical and family history. During a comprehensive eye exam, they will also ask about any vision or eye-related symptoms you may be experiencing. They will evaluate your overall health and any medications you take that may impact your eye health.
REGULAR EYE EXAMS FOR OVERALL HEALTH
Comprehensive eye exams can aid in detecting general health issues that manifest in the eyes. Eye doctors spot signs of these conditions through changes in the blood vessels in the back of the eye or other abnormalities discovered during a thorough eye exam. Early detection and treatment can aid in the improvement of overall health and well-being. Some of these conditions include:
HYPERTENSION
High blood pressure can cause changes in retinal blood vessels, resulting in hypertensive retinopathy. A comprehensive eye exam can detect hypertensive retinopathy, a sign of underlying high blood pressure. Early detection and treatment of this health problem can aid in the prevention of severe health issues such as heart attack and stroke.
DIABETES
High blood glucose levels can harm your retinal blood vessels, resulting in diabetic retinopathy. This condition is the leading cause of adult blindness. Eye doctors can detect it during a comprehensive eye exam and treat it early to help prevent vision loss.
HIGH CHOLESTEROL
High cholesterol levels can also cause changes in retinal blood vessels, resulting in hypercholesterolemic retinopathy. A comprehensive ocular exam can detect this condition, a sign of underlying high cholesterol. Since high cholesterol increases the risk of stroke and cardiovascular disease, early detection and treatment are critical.
MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
MS is a neurological condition affecting the brain and spinal cord. It can cause vision problems like double vision and changes in visual acuity detected during an eye exam. A comprehensive ocular exam may aid in diagnosing MS and help track the disease’s progression.
THYROID DISORDERS
The thyroid is a neck gland that produces hormones to regulate metabolism. Thyroid disorders, such as hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, can alter the eyes’ appearance, causing bulging or shrinking. These changes are detectable during an eye exam and may aid in diagnosing thyroid disorders.
CERTAIN CANCERS
Some cancers, such as lymphoma and leukemia, can cause eye changes that are noticeable during a thorough eye exam. Leukemia can cause inflammation of the white part of the eye, while lymphoma can cause swelling or changes in the pupil’s appearance.
Overall, a comprehensive eye exam is essential for maintaining eye health and detecting potential problems early on. You should undergo a routine eye exam at least once a year or more frequently if recommended by your eye care professional.
For more on regular eye exams, call Lansdowne Eye Associates at (610) 623-1127 to reach our Lansdowne, Pennsylvania office.