I look at the back of patients’ eyes all day long. I can’t count the number of times our patients ask us if everything is okay back there. The eyes really are a window to your health. They help us see diseases and conditions of the body. Most patients are astounded when they find out about this link.

Good Morning America did a great segment on the benefits of eye exams titled, “Get an Eye Exam: Arthritis to Cancer Seen in the Eye.”

Eye examinations can be the first to detect serious diseases and conditions such as cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, multiple sclerosis and heart disease. And that’s why it’s so important to get your eyes checked regularly. Getting an opportunity to know about something before it happens allows us to take preemptive action and have the chance to make adjustments. Before something gets serious, a comprehensive eye exam can reveal areas of opportunity.

So how do optometrists actually check the eyes for these diseases? In fact, an eye exam is the only non-invasive way for a doctor to look at the condition of the blood vessels. Using ophthalmic equipment, the optometrist can see right to the back of your eye called the retina and evaluate the blood vessels. Using different types of equipment, optometrists also evaluate the area between the front and back of your eye assessing the fluid for any particles, examining the natural lens of your eye and taking a look at your iris. All these techniques help give us a good idea of your overall eye health.

So don’t forget that your eyes are not only the window to your soul but also to the rest of your body!

If you have any questions about comprehensive eye exams or eye health in general, feel free to call us and we’ll be happy to help.