When most people think of going to the eye doctor, they think of well – glasses. In reality, optometrists have the ability to do much more than you think for your overall health. Symptoms of major diseases can be detected by your eye doctor during a simple vision examination. A few of these diseases include:
- Diabetes
- High Cholesterol
- Wilson’s Disease{{{image-2818}}}
- Neuromuscular Disease
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
According to Andrew Iwach, MD, signs of these diseases are visible around the eyes long before serious symptoms surface. I vote catch it early rather than too late, how about you?
So what are some warning signs?
Bloody eye.
The transparent outer layer of the eye contains teeny tiny blood vessels. These vessels can burst and create a pool of blood on the white part of the eye or sclera. This can be an indicator of high blood pressure or a platelet disorder which has the ability to bring about a heart attack or pulmonary embolism.
Droopy eyelid.
A droopy eyelid or ptosis could merely be a sign of ageing. In some cases however, it can be a symptom of a serious condition called Myasthenia Gravis, a neuromuscular disease. Droopy eyelids could also be an indicator of a brain tumor. A simple eye exam can determine the cause.
Rings on the cornea.
Rings around the cornea can be caused by a fatal disease called Wilson’s disease. This disease can cause copper to accumulate in tissues throughout the body including the brain and liver. The rings themselves are harmless, but they indicate a serious condition that warrants treatment.
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Visit your local Dr. Tavel or Vision Values office for an annual eye exam to ensure healthy vision. Dr. Tavel offers convenient evening and weekend hours to create a stress-free experience.