Your vision can change throughout your life. That’s why young adults are encouraged to visit an optometrist every five to 10 years, and older adults should undergo exams more frequently as they age. These exams allow optometrists to detect and treat issues regarding your optical health. The condition of your eyes can also reveal serious medical issues that should be addressed if discovered. Below are three serious issues that doctors commonly discover during eye exams.

3 Health Conditions Detected During Eye Exams

1. Diabetes

Your optometrist might detect glaucoma or cataracts during the exam. Although both diseases are often age-related, they can also be common complications caused by diabetes. In addition to these illnesses, diabetic retinopathy is another condition your eye doctor could pick up on if they notice that the blood vessels in the retina are in poor condition.  

2. Hypertension

During the exam, your optometrist might use a dilating solution and ophthalmoscope to check for abnormalities in the back of the eye. If they notice blood vessels are damaged, hypertension could be to blame. Fluid accumulating under the retina can also be a sign of high blood pressure. Hypertension restricts blood flow, which can affect the optic nerve. If the cells die as a result, you could experience short- or long-term vision loss. 

3. Cancer

Like skin, eyes can also develop melanoma. This cancer affects the cells that create eye pigment, or melanin. You can’t see the melanoma just by looking at your eye in the mirror, which is why optometrists use dilatation, lights, and magnifiers to pinpoint the exact location.

Whether you need a routine eye exam or a new pair of eyeglasses or contact lenses, the professionals at Cohen's Fashion Optical in New York City are eager to see to your vision needs. Serving residents throughout Manhattan, their optometrists use state-of-the-art equipment to catch minor problems before patients’ eyesight and general health are compromised. To schedule an appointment and learn about their selection of over 2,000 glasses frames at the Upper West Side location, call (212) 769-1410 or request an exam online. Follow them on Facebook to view their merchandise.