Your Eye Exam Could Save Your Life

Most people think of an eye exam as a quick check to update their glasses or contact prescription. But it is way more than that.

According to the American Optometric Association (AOA), an eye exam can reveal more than 270 serious health conditions, often before you notice a single symptom. Your eye doctor can detect early signs of such diseases as diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune disorders, and even certain cancers. An annual eye exam could be one of the most valuable preventive health screenings available.

During a comprehensive eye exam, your optometrist isn’t just checking your vision. They’re examining your retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels, which can reveal early signs of:

• Diabetes: changes in tiny blood vessels can appear before other symptoms develop.
• High blood pressure: narrowing or bleeding in eye vessels can be an early warning sign.
• Multiple sclerosis: inflammation in the optic nerve may be one of the first indicators.
• Certain cancers: tumors can sometimes be detected through changes in the eye’s appearance.

The AOA stresses that annual exams are one of the most effective ways to catch health problems early. Many of these conditions, if detected soon enough, can be treated or managed before they cause lasting damage.

Annual exams are important no matter what, but certain changes should prompt an immediate appointment because they can signal medical issues that need attention:

• Sudden blurry vision
• Double vision
• Drooping eyelids
• Flashes of light or sudden floaters

Your annual eye exam isn’t about just your eyes and your vision; it is about protecting your overall health. If it’s been more than a year since your last appointment, schedule one today.