Categories: Optometrist

Can Optometry Detect General Health Problems?

Optometry is a field of medicine that focuses on the eyes. Optometrists are doctors who specialize in this field. They work to detect, diagnose, manage, and treat conditions of the eyes. However, what may be surprising to learn is that, just by examining the eyes, optometry can also detect general health problems.

In this article, discover how optometry can detect health problems that affect the entire body. Read about a few common conditions that may be detectable by an optometrist during a simple eye examination. This information can be useful for knowing what to expect when visiting an optometry office.

Can optometry detect general health problems?

Optometry can detect much more than what most people realize. The average person may think that an optometrist can only identify and diagnose problems related to eyes; however, this is far from the truth! Optometry is indeed the study of the eyes, but the doctors who specialize in this field can detect a wide range of general health problems, many of which have nothing to do with the eyes.

General health problems that can be detected through optometry

The following goes over a few of the most common health problems that optometrists can detect through an eye examination.

Diabetes

Diabetes is one of the most common diseases that people suffer from. It is a collection of issues that affect a person's blood sugar levels. When visiting an optometry office for an exam, the eye doctor may be able to detect diabetes through an examination of the capillaries of the retina. Leaking blood or fluid may indicate that diabetes is present, for example.

Cancer

Even if cancer has spread to another part of the body, the eyes are often the first organ to show signs of trouble. Any kind of cancer, from skin to blood, is detectable with a simple eye exam. Leukemia may manifest as hemorrhaging inside the retinas, while ocular melanoma can manifest as a change in eye color. During an eye exam, the doctor will examine the area surrounding the eyes for any changes that could indicate a more serious problem, such as new or unusual freckling or dark patches.

Arthritis

Dry eyes, which may be a symptom of another issue, are readily detectable with an eye exam at the optometrist's office. One in four people with rheumatoid arthritis report having dry eyes. The degree to which one has dry eyes may vary from annoying to life-threatening. Rheumatoid arthritis is also characterized by iritis, or inflammation of the iris. Two such flare-ups within a year or three within 18 months are highly suggestive of rheumatoid arthritis. Patients may also develop glaucoma and cataracts and have eye discomfort, sensitivity to light, blurred or impaired vision, and other visual problems if they have inflammatory arthritis.

Stroke

An optometrist can learn much about a patient's risk for stroke and overall health by looking at the state of their retinas. Stroke risk indicators include microbleeds or other vascular damage in the retina. The optometrist will likely diagnose this situation to be the result of high blood pressure and recommend preventative actions.

High cholesterol

If the eye doctor notices that the cornea has a yellow color or tint to it, this may be a sign of high cholesterol. Plaques in the retina of the eye may also indicate high cholesterol, and high cholesterol levels signal that the patient should visit their primary care physician for further care. 

Hypertension

High blood pressure is a common health problem that many people deal with. Optometry can detect it through a close-up examination of the eyes. Any noticeable tears, breaks, or unevenness in the blood vessels may indicate an elevated blood pressure, which should be immediately addressed by a health care professional.

Get started with an optometrist today

Optometry can detect many different general health problems, which is one of the many reasons that annual eye exams are so important. Eye doctors can examine the eyes for any noticeable symptoms that could indicate a disease within the eyes or in the whole body.

If you have queries about optometry or detecting general health problems, please reach out to our office so we can better assist you. We can answer any questions that you might be wondering about or address any concerns that you might have. Our team would be happy to hear from you in any way, so get started today!

Request an appointment here: https://www.texasoptical.net or call Texas Optical at (214) 771-7333 for an appointment in our Dallas office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Optometry in Dallas, TX.

Recent Posts

5 Differences Between Safety Glasses And Regular Glasses

When it comes to eyewear, safety glasses and regular glasses serve different purposes. The primary difference is that safety glasses protect the eyes from hazardous activities or environments, while the primary purpose of regular glasses is vision correction. Understanding the other key distinctions between the two is essential for selecting your desired type.Safety glasses are…

5 Reasons You May Need Cataract Treatment

Cataract treatment from an optometrist can preserve or even enhance visual clarity. Although cataracts are most common in patients over age 40, they can affect those of all ages. It is important to be able to recognize the signs of this common condition and when certain treatments may be needed. Early diagnosis and cataract treatment…

Finding The Right Style And Comfort Of Eyeglasses For Your Needs

Eyeglasses are a significant investment, and finding the right balance between style and functionality will make all the difference in your daily wear experience. Visiting an optometrist’s office gives you access to expert advice and guidance. However, it helps to know what factors make a pair of eyeglasses suited to your personal style preferences, lifestyle,…

Why Choose Transitions Lenses? The Benefits Of Adaptive Eyewear

Transitions lenses are an adaptive choice for prescription eyeglasses. Although you can purchase two pairs of eyeglasses — clear prescription eyeglasses and prescription sunglasses — it can be a hassle to lug them around and repeatedly have to switch between them. Not only do transitions lenses eliminate this inconvenience, but they also offer a plethora…

Texas Optical

Share
Published by
Texas Optical

Recent Posts

5 Differences Between Safety Glasses and Regular Glasses

The lenses of safety glasses often come with advanced coatings such as anti-scratch and anti-fog…

2 weeks ago

5 Reasons You May Need Cataract Treatment

Cataract surgery can restore night vision by removing the clouded part of the lens.

3 weeks ago

Finding the Right Style and Comfort of Eyeglasses for Your Needs

Different face shapes are suited to different eyeglass frames.

3 weeks ago

Why Choose Transitions Lenses? The Benefits of Adaptive Eyewear

To learn more about transitions lenses and whether they could benefit you, contact our Dallas…

2 months ago

Emergency Eye Care: Recognizing the Signs and Getting Immediate Help

Eye discharge is normal, but only in the form of tears, old skin cells, mucus,…

2 months ago

Optometry Essentials: Why Regular Eye Checkups Are Key to Healthy Eyes

Many people experience changes in their vision over time, whether due to aging, environmental factors,…

2 months ago