When you get your eyes checked, your optometrist both tests your vision and checks for eye diseases. Not only can this pinpoint signs of conditions such as glaucoma, which can cause permanent blindness, but it may also identify health issues that affect your overall well-being. If you want to know how an eye exam can help you stay healthy, here are some conditions that present ocular symptoms.

Physical Ailments an Eye Doctor May Diagnose 

1. Hypertension

High blood pressure leads to an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, heart attacks, and strokes. If you are hypertensive, the blood vessels in your eyes are also under added strain, leaving them more likely to bend or tear, which can cause conditions such as eye bleeding and hyphema. An eye exam can detect chronic and acute elevations in blood pressure, helping undiagnosed patients discover they have hypertension.

2. Prediabetes

More than 30 million people in the United States have diabetes, but one in four of them don’t even know they have it. With this condition, the body is unable to properly regulate its blood sugar, leading to an increased risk for heart disease, stroke, and blindness. An eye doctor can detect early signs of diabetes by looking at the small capillaries in the retina of the eye, which may leak a yellowish or bloody fluid in diabetics.

3. Thyroid Issues

Your thyroid gland produces hormones that manage many essential functions, from your heart rate to your body's ability to regulate its temperature. People with an overactive thyroid may experience symptoms like anxiety, rapid heartbeat, and fatigue. Referred to as Graves’ Disease, this condition commonly leads to bulging eyes or protruding eyeballs, which an optometrist can identify through an eye exam.

If you’re due for an eye exam, make an appointment at West Valley Vision Center in Fairbanks, AK. With an emphasis on prevention, they strive to detect early signs of conditions to keep your vision sharp. Their friendly team also offers cutting-edge procedures like Lasik eye surgery and provides corrective solutions such as contact lenses and prescription glasses. Find out more about their exams online, or call (907) 479-4700 to schedule your appointment.