When you think about getting your eyes checked, you might think it's only essential for updating your prescription or improving your vision. However, comprehensive eye exams do much more than that.
They also provide valuable insight into your overall health and can even detect early signs of serious medical conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure.
By examining the eyes, our eye doctors at Newport Avenue Optometry in San Diego can spot eye conditions in their early stages, allowing for timely intervention and treatment.
Here is how a comprehensive eye exam can reveal hidden health issues.
1. Diabetic Retinopathy Screening
One of the most common eye conditions detected during an eye exam is diabetic retinopathy. This is a complication of diabetes that affects the blood vessels in the retina and can result in vision loss. In its initial stages, it often presents no symptoms, which makes diabetic retinopathy screening during a comprehensive eye exam crucial.
Our eye doctors can detect small blood vessel leaks, swelling, or abnormal growth of new vessels, which are all early indicators of this serious condition.
2. High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure affects more than just your heart—it can also affect your eyes. In some cases, high blood pressure causes flashing lights in the eyes, which is an indicator of damage to the retina. This condition is known as hypertensive retinopathy and occurs when elevated blood pressure damages the blood vessels in the retina, leading to vision changes.
A comprehensive eye exam allows your eye doctor to detect signs of high blood pressure by examining the blood vessels in your retina for narrowing or damage.
3. Autoimmune Diseases and Eye Inflammation
Eye inflammation is a common sign of autoimmune diseases like lupus or multiple sclerosis (MS). These conditions may cause inflammation in various parts of the eye, including the retina and optic nerve, leading to vision changes.
A comprehensive eye exam can reveal signs of this inflammation, even before other symptoms of the disease become apparent. This allows for better eye disease management and can lead to quicker diagnosis and treatment of the underlying condition.
4. Eye Cancer
Although rare, eye cancer can be detected during a comprehensive eye exam. During an eye exam, our eye doctors will check for abnormal growths or changes in the structure of the eye.
Early detection of eye cancer is essential for successful treatment, as it prevents the cancer from spreading to other parts of the body when it's most treatable.
How Often Should You Get a Comprehensive Eye Exam?
For most adults, it's recommended to have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years, depending on your age, risk factors, and health history.
However, if you have diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of eye diseases, more frequent check-ups may be necessary to monitor your condition.
Request A Comprehensive Eye Exam in San Diego
At Newport Avenue Optometry in San Diego, we offer thorough comprehensive eye exams that assess both your vision and your well-being. Contact us to request your comprehensive eye exam and take control of your health.