If you don’t have vision problems, you might not worry about scheduling an eye exam until you start noticing text or television programs becoming blurry. However, the eyes play a role in your overall health, which is why professionals recommend having a comprehensive vision exam every few years—even if you don’t have existing vision problems. Here are a few health issues that can be detected during a standard eye exam. 

Which Health Problems Can You Detect With an Eye Exam? 

1. Diabetes

Diabetes can impact the health of blood vessels, which can be detrimental to eye health. The condition can affect the capillaries inside the retina of the eye, causing these vessels to leak a yellowish fluid into the interior. If your eye doctor spots discoloration during your exam, you may have diabetic retinopathy, which can lead to blindness. 

2. Hypertension

High blood pressure can also damage the blood vessels of the eye, causing kinks, tears, and bends of the vessels. Over time, these vessels can become damaged enough to cause issues like light sensitivity, bleeding inside the eye, or loss of vision. 

3. Thyroid Disease

The hormones your thyroid release play a role in the way your body functions and appears. While an underachieve thyroid can cause issues like weight gain and hair loss, an overactive thyroid can cause bulging eyeballs. Other symptoms include dry, red, or watery eyes. 

If you are due for a vision exam, don’t hesitate to reach out to the professionals at Lieblong Eye Clinic. Conveniently located in Russellville, AR, this trusted vision care center can help with everything from dry eye to cataracts. In addition to being the only accredited Dry Eye Treatment Center in the River Valley, vision patients from all over Arkansas visit to enjoy their incredible selection of designer eyeglass frames. Learn more about their staff by visiting their website, or give their office a call at (479) 968-2020 with any questions.