Eyes are the window to the…heart?
Did you know that non-ocular diseases can be detected in an eye exam? Brian tumors, diabetes, cancer, cadiovascular disease, and multiple sclerosis can all be discovered in a routine eye exam. Other conditions noted may be high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and numerous metabolic disorders such as Wilson’s Disease and Fabry’s Disease.
Brain tumors may cause blurred vision, double vision, a loss of peripheral vision or swelling of the optic nerve, and severe diabetes may cause blindness. Blood vessels in the back of the eye can be photographed and analyzed to determine an individual’s risk of heart attack or stroke. In addition, multiple sclerosis affects the brain, and when it affects the part of the brain that controls vision, it may result in eye pain, blurred vision, and a lack of coordination between the two eyes. Lastly, cholesterol deposits may be seen on the eyelids of someone with high cholesterol, and high blood pressure can cause blood vessels in the eyes to rupture.
So even if you think your eyeglasses prescription is just right, be sure to vision an eye care provider at least every other year. To schedule an appointment with one of the doctors at EDOW, call us at 301-215-7100 or visit our contact page.
