Posted by: Aker Kasten Eye Center in Eye Exam on November 15, 2015
Your eyes aren’t just the windows to your soul; they’re also the windows to your health. And when your eye doctor does an examination, he or she can see a lot more than the state of your vision.
Our eyes can reveal a lot about our health – some things only a doctor can see, but some things we can see for ourselves and should report to our eye doctor. Here are some of the things your doctor looks for when examining your eyes, and some things you can look out for on your own:
1.) High blood pressure
By looking at your retina, eye doctors can see the high pressure causing tiny blood vessels to kink and twist. If they see dents in your retinal veins, you may be at high risk for a stroke
2.) Diabetes
Many people have diabetes and actually don’t know it. But telltale changes in your retina can be detected by your eye doctor, such as tiny hemorrhages in the retina and yellowish deposits of blood fats.
3.) Grave’s Disease
Bug eyes can be a common sign of this disease, which is caused by an overactive thyroid. The condition may also cause weight loss, nervousness and a rapid or irregular pulse.
4.) Arcus senillis
Some of us develop a gray ring around the edge of the cornea, and it can indicate high cholesterol and triglycerides – which can put you at an increased risk for heart attack and stroke.
5.) Skin cancer
Basal cell carcinomas can cause a sore that doesn’t heal on the eyelid or on the skin surrounding your eye. Another sign can be the loss of eyelashes.
6.) Myasthenia gravis
Droopy eyelids on both sides can be evidence of this autoimmune disease, characterized by muscle weakness.
There are many other health conditions that can be spotted with a professional eye exam, often before you know you have a problem. So make a regular visit to your eye doctor part of your preventive health care routine. You never know what he or she might see. Call today for your appointment: (561) 338-7722.