Your vision is important for the overall well-being of your body. It lets you see the world around you, keep you safe, and thrive in your work, school, sports, or hobbies.

But did you know that eye exams can also detect health problems beyond the eyes? In fact, some eye conditions can be warning signs of serious illnesses that can affect your body as a whole, not just your vision. Here are 5 vision diagnoses that can save your life.

1. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain.

The main cause of glaucoma is high intraocular pressure (IOP), which can occur when the fluid inside the eye doesn’t drain properly, leading to a buildup of pressure that damages the optic nerve. Glaucoma often develops gradually and painlessly, and it can damage the nerve fibers before any vision loss is noticed.

That’s why regular eye exams that measure IOP and check the optic nerve are crucial to detecting and treating glaucoma early. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause irreversible vision loss and blindness. But it can also affect your overall health.

Recent studies have linked untreated glaucoma with an increased risk of stroke and heart disease. This may be because the same factors that cause high IOP, such as high blood pressure and diabetes, also contribute to heart disease and stroke.

2. Diabetes

Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that affects how your body uses insulin to regulate blood sugar levels. It can lead to a range of complications, including nerve damage, kidney disease, and vision problems.

In fact, diabetes is the leading cause of blindness among adults in the U.S. But the good news is that eye exams can detect early signs of diabetes before other symptoms appear.

During an eye exam, your eye doctor can see if your blood vessels in the retina are damaged or leaky, which can signal diabetes. This condition is called diabetic retinopathy, and it can cause vision loss or blindness if left untreated.

But it can also indicate more serious complications, such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. That’s why people with diabetes need to have comprehensive eye exams at least once a year.

3. High blood pressure

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a common condition that can lead to heart disease, stroke, and other health problems. But it can also affect your eyes, specifically the blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the retina.

When these vessels are constricted or damaged, it can cause hypertensive retinopathy, which shows as changes in the retina’s appearance.

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During an eye exam, your eye doctor can look for these changes, such as narrowing, twisting, or swelling of the blood vessels. They may also check your blood pressure during the exam to see if it’s within a healthy range.

If you have high blood pressure, it’s important to manage it through lifestyle changes like exercise, healthy eating, and medication if necessary.

4. Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. It can cause a wide range of symptoms, such as fatigue, pain, muscle weakness, and vision loss.

In fact, up to 75% of people with MS experience some vision problems, such as blurred vision, double vision, or optic neuritis, which is inflammation of the optic nerve.

Besides MS-specific symptoms, eye exams can also detect signs of MS-related eye problems, such as changes in eye movement, visual acuity, or depth perception.

These clues can help doctors diagnose MS earlier and start treatment sooner, which can improve the outcome and quality of life for people with MS.

5. Brain tumors

Brain tumors are abnormal growths in the brain that can cause a range of symptoms, depending on their size and location. Some of these symptoms can affect vision, such as blurred or double vision, loss of peripheral vision, or seeing halos or sparks.

These symptoms can be subtle or sudden, and they often prompt people to see their eye doctor first before realizing they may have a brain tumor.

During an eye exam, your eye doctor may perform a visual field test, which checks your peripheral vision, or dilate your pupils to get a better view of the retina.

They may also look for signs of swelling or pressure on the optic nerve, which can be caused by a brain tumor. If your eye doctor suspects a brain tumor, they will refer you to a neurologist or neurosurgeon for further testing and treatment.

Conclusion

Your eyes are more than just windows to your soul. They can also tell you a lot about your health and well-being. That’s why regular eye exams are important, not just for your vision, but for your life.

By detecting and treating eye conditions early, you can prevent or manage serious health problems that can affect your body as a whole. So, make sure to schedule your next eye exam today.