Many people don’t realize that an eye exam is more than just getting a new prescription for glasses or contacts. In fact, a comprehensive eye exam can reveal a lot about your overall health.

Your eyes can provide early warning signs of serious medical conditions that may not be apparent otherwise. Here are some of the diseases that your eyes can reveal:.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a chronic disease that affects the way your body metabolizes sugar (glucose), which is an important source of fuel for your body. Uncontrolled diabetes can cause damage to your eyes, blood vessels, nerves, and kidneys.

One of the early warning signs of diabetes is diabetic retinopathy, which is a disease that damages the blood vessels in the retina of the eye. Over time, this can lead to permanent vision loss. A comprehensive eye exam can detect the early signs of diabetic retinopathy, even before you have any symptoms.

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a condition in which the force of blood against the walls of the arteries is too high. This can damage the blood vessels and increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other health problems.

High blood pressure can also damage the blood vessels in the retina of the eye, causing a condition called hypertensive retinopathy. This condition can cause vision problems or, in severe cases, blindness. An eye exam can reveal the early signs of hypertensive retinopathy, which can help doctors diagnose and treat high blood pressure before it becomes a serious problem.

Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases are conditions in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues and organs. These diseases can affect any part of the body, including the eyes.

For example, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis can all cause eye problems, such as dry eyes, uveitis, and optic neuritis. These conditions can be detected during a comprehensive eye exam, which can help doctors diagnose and treat the underlying autoimmune disease.

Thyroid Problems

The thyroid is a small gland located in the neck that produces hormones that regulate metabolism. Thyroid problems, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, can affect the eyes.

Hypothyroidism can cause dry, itchy eyes, while hyperthyroidism can cause bulging of the eyes or double vision. In some cases, these symptoms can be the first sign of a thyroid problem. A comprehensive eye exam can detect these early signs and help doctors diagnose and treat thyroid problems.

Cancer

Cancer can affect any part of the body, including the eyes. For example, melanoma, the most deadly form of skin cancer, can occur in the eye. Other types of cancer that can affect the eyes include lymphoma, leukemia, and retinoblastoma.

A comprehensive eye exam can detect these early signs and refer patients to a specialist for further testing and treatment.

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can also cause eye problems. For example, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis can all cause eye infections. These infections can lead to redness, discharge, and blurry vision.

A comprehensive eye exam can detect these infections and help doctors diagnose and treat these STDs, which can help prevent further spread of the disease.

Neurological Diseases

Neurological diseases are conditions that affect the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. These diseases can also affect the eyes.

For example, Parkinson’s disease can cause blurry vision or double vision, while multiple sclerosis can cause optic neuritis, which affects the vision. A comprehensive eye exam can detect these early signs and help doctors diagnose and treat the underlying neurological disease.

Vitamin Deficiencies

Vitamins play a crucial role in maintaining good health, and vitamin deficiencies can cause a variety of health problems, including eye problems.

For example, vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness and dry eyes, while vitamin B12 deficiency can cause optic neuropathy, which affects the optic nerve. A comprehensive eye exam can detect these early signs and help doctors diagnose and treat vitamin deficiencies before they become a serious problem.

Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease is a condition that affects the heart and blood vessels, and it can also affect the eyes.

For example, atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the arteries, can lead to vision problems and retinal artery occlusion, which is when the blood flow to the eye is blocked. A comprehensive eye exam can detect the early signs of cardiovascular disease and help doctors diagnose and treat this condition before it becomes a serious problem.

Liver Disease

The liver is a vital organ that performs many functions, including filtering toxins from the blood. Liver disease, such as cirrhosis and hepatitis, can affect the eyes. For example, yellowing of the eyes (jaundice) is a common symptom of liver disease.

A comprehensive eye exam can detect these early signs and help doctors diagnose and treat liver disease before it becomes a serious problem.