Regular eye exams are important not only for maintaining good vision but also for detecting a range of health issues. Your eyes can reveal a lot about your overall health, and a comprehensive eye exam can be critical in catching and managing different conditions early on. Let’s explore some of the issues we can identify during our eye exams in Orange Beach.
1. Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss if not addressed. During an eye exam, our eye doctor can measure your intraocular pressure (the pressure within your eyes), examine your optic nerve, and perform visual field tests to detect glaucoma early, often before you notice any symptoms.
2. Diabetes
If you have diabetes, it can affect the tiny blood vessels in your retina, leading to a serious eye condition known as diabetic retinopathy. Our eye exams can pick up early signs like changes in these blood vessels, giving us the chance to step in and protect your vision.
3. High blood pressure
Your eyes can show signs of high blood pressure. When we look at the blood vessels in your retina, we might spot changes that suggest hypertension, prompting us to recommend further checks and management.
4. Macular degeneration
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) affects the central part of the retina and is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults. An eye exam can detect early signs of AMD, such as drusen (tiny yellow deposits) or changes in the pigmentation of the retina, so we can start managing it right away and potentially prevent vision loss.
5. High cholesterol
Sometimes, we can see signs of high cholesterol during an eye exam, such as deposits in your cornea or changes in the blood vessels in your retina. These clues can lead to further testing and lifestyle changes to keep your cholesterol in check.
6. Autoimmune disorders
Autoimmune conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis can cause inflammation in your eyes. We can spot these changes during an exam, which might lead to a more detailed look into any potential autoimmune conditions.
7. Thyroid disease
Thyroid disorders, particularly Graves’ disease, can lead to noticeable changes in your eyes, such as bulging eyes or changes in the eye muscles. We can help identify these signs and suggest a follow-up with your doctor.
8. Neurological disorders
Changes in your optic nerve or visual field might indicate neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis. Regular eye exams can help us catch these signs early, leading to timely follow-ups.
9. Cancer
Occasionally, eye exams can reveal signs of certain cancers, such as melanoma in the eye or signs of systemic cancers, like leukemia, that affect the eyes. Catching these early can be crucial for treatment.
10. Stroke risk
An eye exam can sometimes detect signs that point to an increased risk of stroke, such as changes in the blood vessels in your eyes or blockages.
11. Dry eye disease
We can also look for signs of dry eye disease, which can cause discomfort and vision issues. Identifying it allows us to recommend dry eye treatment to relieve your discomfort and protect your eyes.
12. Cataracts
Cataracts, which cause clouding of the lens of the eye, can affect your vision clarity. Our exams can detect cataracts early, helping us manage their progression and discuss when surgery is necessary.
Conclusion
By scheduling regular eye exams with our experts at Coastal Family Eyecare, you can identify potential health issues early on and address them before they become more serious. If it’s been a while since your last eye exam, consider making an appointment to stay on top of your eye health and overall health. Your eyes are a window to your health, and taking care of them can have far-reaching benefits. Contact us today to book an exam or schedule an appointment online.