How Eye Exams Can Detect Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, and More

Eye exams are often seen as routine checkups to update your prescription, but they offer much more than that. A medical eye exam can reveal early signs of serious health conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and even autoimmune disorders. At InnoVision Optometry, our detailed evaluations look beyond vision correction to help identify underlying health concerns, sometimes before you or your primary care doctor are even aware of them.
 

What Is a Medical Eye Exam?

A medical eye exam goes beyond checking how well you can see. It focuses on evaluating the overall health of your eyes and identifying signs of medical conditions that may affect your vision or indicate broader health concerns. During this type of exam, your optometrist may use advanced diagnostic tools to examine the retina, optic nerve, and blood vessels in the eye - structures that can reflect changes in your overall health.
 

Diabetes

One of the most common systemic diseases detected during an eye exam is diabetes. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when high blood sugar damages the small blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision issues. Even before a patient is diagnosed with diabetes, subtle retinal changes can be detected during a medical eye exam.
 

High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

The blood vessels in your eyes can also reveal signs of hypertension. Your optometrist may observe narrowing of the blood vessels, bleeding, or fluid leakage - all indicators of high blood pressure that may require urgent medical attention.
 

High Cholesterol

Yellowish plaques in the blood vessels of the retina, or a condition known as a Hollenhorst plaque, can point to elevated cholesterol levels. Catching these signs early through an eye exam can help prevent serious cardiovascular issues.
 

Autoimmune Diseases

Conditions such as lupus and multiple sclerosis may present with inflammation in different parts of the eye. A medical eye exam can help detect these signs, prompting further testing and diagnosis.
 

Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid eye disease, often associated with Graves’ disease, can cause bulging eyes, lid retraction, and vision problems. These symptoms may be first observed during an eye exam.
 

Why Early Detection Is Crucial

Many of these health conditions can develop silently, with no noticeable symptoms until complications arise. A medical eye exam offers a non-invasive, early-detection tool that could lead to life-saving treatment and disease management. Regular visits to your optometrist can play a crucial role in maintaining both your vision and your overall health.
 

Protect Your Vision and Health

Your eyes can reveal important clues about your overall health. By scheduling regular medical eye exams, you’re not only protecting your vision but also giving your body the opportunity for early detection of serious health conditions.

Don’t wait for symptoms to appear, schedule your next eye exam at InnoVision Optometry and take a proactive step toward better eye and overall health. Visit our office in Rowland Heights, California, or call (626) 593-8700 to book an appointment today.