TL;DR
While eye tests are primarily conducted to assess your vision, they can also provide crucial information about your general health.
Eye tests can help detect various health conditions, some of which might not have noticeable symptoms until they are more advanced. Understanding what an eye test can reveal may encourage you to schedule regular check-ups with your optician.
Early detection of eye conditions
One of the primary roles of an eye test is to detect eye conditions before they lead to severe consequences. Common conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are among the most frequently diagnosed issues during eye tests.
Cataracts
Cataracts are a clouding of the lens in your eye, which can cause blurry vision and eventually lead to blindness if left untreated. Opticians can detect cataracts in their early stages during a standard eye test.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma refers to a group of eye diseases that cause damage to the optic nerve, often due to increased pressure inside the eye. It is a leading cause of blindness, but regular eye tests can detect early signs of glaucoma before the damage becomes irreversible.
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
AMD affects the central part of your vision and is common in people over the age of 50. Opticians can identify signs of AMD early, allowing for treatments to slow its progression.
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Detecting systemic health conditions
An eye test can also help detect systemic health conditions that might not have apparent symptoms. Certain health issues affect the eyes in specific ways, and an optometrist can spot these during your regular test.
High blood pressure (hypertension)
High blood pressure can cause damage to the blood vessels in the retina, which can be visible during an eye test. The optometrist can check for changes in the blood vessels, which might indicate hypertension. If left unchecked, high blood pressure can lead to serious conditions such as strokes or heart disease.
Diabetes
Diabetes affects the blood vessels throughout the body, including those in the retina. During an eye test, an optician can look for signs of diabetic retinopathy, a condition where the blood vessels in the retina become damaged. Early detection allows you to manage diabetes more effectively and prevent further damage.
Cholesterol
High cholesterol can lead to fatty deposits in the blood vessels, which might show up as a yellowish ring around the cornea or in the retinal blood vessels. This is another indicator that your optometrist can identify during an eye test, suggesting the need for further investigation into your cholesterol levels.
Identifying neurological issues
An eye test can sometimes reveal neurological conditions. The eyes and brain are closely connected, and changes in the eyes can point to problems in the nervous system.
Brain tumours
Some signs of brain tumours can be detected through changes in the optic nerve or vision. For instance, swelling of the optic nerve (papilloedema) could indicate increased pressure in the brain, which might be caused by a tumour. Opticians may also notice vision changes associated with neurological disorders, such as double vision, which can signal issues within the brain or nervous system.
Related read: How Eyes Connect To The Brain
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
MS is a disease that affects the central nervous system and can cause visual disturbances. An eye test can reveal symptoms like optic neuritis, which involves inflammation of the optic nerve and can be a sign of MS.
Assessing the risk of stroke
During an eye test, an optometrist may observe changes in the blood vessels of your eyes that could suggest a higher risk of stroke. For instance, the narrowing of blood vessels in the retina, known as retinal artery narrowing, can be a sign of cardiovascular problems that increase the risk of stroke. While an eye test alone cannot diagnose a stroke, it can help identify early warning signs.
Detecting autoimmune diseases
Some autoimmune diseases can affect the eyes, and certain symptoms may appear during an eye test. Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and thyroid eye disease can all impact eye health. Eye tests can reveal signs of inflammation, dryness, or abnormal eye movements that could indicate an underlying autoimmune disorder.
Thyroid issues
Thyroid conditions, such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, can affect the eyes in various ways. One of the most common signs is bulging eyes, which is often seen in people with Graves’ disease, a form of hyperthyroidism.
Eye tests can detect signs of thyroid eye disease (TED), which can cause dryness, irritation, and even vision problems. If detected early, thyroid-related eye conditions can often be managed or treated more effectively.
Detecting vitamin deficiencies
Certain vitamin deficiencies can affect your eye health. For example, a deficiency in vitamin A can lead to night blindness, and a lack of vitamin D may increase the risk of developing conditions like AMD. While an eye test cannot diagnose these deficiencies directly, your optician may notice certain signs that suggest a deficiency, prompting further investigation with your GP.
The role of regular eye tests in overall health
It is recommended that you have an eye test every two years, or more frequently if you have existing health conditions or a family history of eye disease.
Regular eye tests are not only vital for ensuring that your vision remains clear but also for detecting a wide range of potential health issues early on.
Early intervention is key in managing and treating many health conditions, and an eye test can be a quick and non-invasive way to monitor your overall well-being.
Eye tests do so much more than assess your vision
An eye test is much more than a routine check for your vision. It is a valuable tool for detecting various health conditions, ranging from eye-related issues such as glaucoma and cataracts to systemic conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and even neurological problems.
Regular eye tests can help ensure that potential health problems are identified early, allowing for timely treatment and better management. Maintaining eye health through regular tests is an essential step towards safeguarding not just your vision, but your overall health.
