Most people get their eyes checked once every two years, some annually, and others only when their vision starts to deteriorate.

Although we know the reasons for why we need our eyes tested, many of us overlook the importance of these tests and how they can reveal underlying health issues beyond our sight.

What Happens During an Eye Test?

An eye test may vary depending on where you receive your examination, but generally, it consists of observing the shape, size, and response of a person’s eyes to tests.

It can help find previously undiagnosed conditions or can indicate that someone is at risk of developing a specific condition.

One of the tests performed during a routine eye exam is the visual acuity test. It measures how well a person can see things at various distances. Another exam used to test a person’s field of vision is the visual field test.

A comprehensive eye test is more complicated and further examines the eye’s health by dilating the pupils. This allows the optometrist to examine the retina and assess its health.

Additionally, during the examination, the optometrist may check the eye’s fluid pressure, which can determine whether an individual may have glaucoma (a disease that causes pressure within the eyes and can lead to a loss of vision).

The Connection Between Eye Health and General Health

Many serious health issues such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, thyroid disorder, some cancers, and high blood pressure, can have implications on eye health.

In some cases, eye examination can even detect warning signs of more severe health problems.

An example of this is the connection between diabetes and eye exams. During an eye test, an optometrist may discover diabetic retinopathy, which can only be diagnosed by a comprehensive ocular examination.

This is a condition where damage to blood vessels in the retina leads to blurry eyesight, retinal detachment, and in severe cases, blindness. Often, symptoms for this condition do not show until it’s too late. However, through early examination, a person can work with a medical professional to manage the condition and prevent blindness.

Thyroid disease can also affect the eyes. It can lead to the development of Graves’ disease, which can cause redness, swelling, and bulging of the eyes.

Additionally, some individuals with autoimmune disorders and connective tissue disease may develop dry eyes or scleritis (inflammation of part of the eye) which can also be detected during an eye exam.

Eye Exams for Glaucoma and High Blood Pressure

Glaucoma is a severe eye condition that can lead to vision loss and blindness. It causes fluid pressure to increase within the eye, damaging the optic nerve, and can lead to vision loss if untreated.

Examinations can detect symptoms of glaucoma before it becomes too severe.

Similarly, hypertension (high blood pressure) can cause changes in the blood vessels, which can lead to vision loss. High blood pressure often does not have any premonitory symptoms – so it can go unnoticed for a long time unless it is measured.

An eye examination can detect early signs of hypertension, allowing medical practitioners to manage the condition and prevent long-term damage.

Conclusion

Through regular eye exams, an optometrist can detect signs of underlying health problems that, when left undiagnosed, can have serious repercussions.

Routine eye tests are vital for maintaining one’s overall health, and health practitioners recommend having an examination once every two years, particularly for adults over the age of 40.