Optometry is the field of medicine that focuses on the eyes. Optometrists are the doctors that 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 optometry can also detect general health problems, just by examining the eyes.
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.
Keep reading to find out what an eye doctor can detect through examining the eyes! The following information may be surprising.
Optometry is able to detect a lot more than what most people realize. The average person may think that an optometrist is only able to identify and diagnose problems related to eyes; however, this is actually far from the truth! Optometry is indeed the study of the eyes, but the doctors who specialize in this field are able to detect a wide range of general health problems, a lot of which have nothing to even do with the eyes.
The following outlines a few of the most common health problems that optometrists are able to detect through an eye examination.
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.
If the eye doctor notices that the cornea has a yellow color or tint to it, then this may be a sign of high cholesterol. Plaques in the retina of the eye may also indicate high cholesterol. High cholesterol levels signal that the patient should visit their primary care physician for further care.
High blood pressure is another common health problem that a lot of people face. Optometry is able to detect this 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.
Optometry is able to detect a lot of different general health problems, which is only one reason why annual eye exams are so important. Eye doctors are able to examine the eyes for any noticeable symptoms that could indicate a disease within the eyes or the whole body.
If you have questions about optometry or detecting general health problems, then reach out to our office so that we can better assist you. Our team can get you started!
Request an appointment here: https://brighteyesny.com or call Bright Eyes Optometry at (914) 730-9574 for an appointment in our New Rochelle office.
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