Regular eye exams can result in cheaper health care costs & ensure the quality of your eyes and overall wellbeing. Here are 4 diseases that can be detected by your Calgary optometrist through your yearly eye test.
Many patients wonder why it’s important to have yearly eye exams if they don’t suffer from a family history of eye disease or have any vision problems. However, it’s important to understand that regularly visiting your optometrist is crucial because sometimes you can have changes in your vision that are difficult to detect.
In addition, yearly eye exams are recommended because:
- vision changes over time and as you age, you become more susceptible to certain ocular diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration
- they allow for early detection, and treatment of, a wide range of both general and ocular diseases
- they can significantly improve your vision and enhance the quality of your life
- poor vision can be dangerous
Comprehensive Eye Exams & Qualified Optometrists in Calgary
At our eye clinic in Market Mall, our qualified optometrists are able to provide comprehensive and affordable eye exams to help protect both your vision and overall health. From glaucoma testing to cataract management, we help enhance your quality of life and protect your eyes.
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5 Unexpected Diseases Your Yearly Eye Exam Can Detect
Major health organisations recommend yearly comprehensive eye exams but unfortunately, patients still believe that if they haven’t noticed their vision changing, there’s no reason to visit the optometrist.
However, eye exams can often be as effective as a physical at detecting health problems, In fact, optometrists are able to detect many types of conditions that may have otherwise gone undetected, such as:
1. Diabetes: Diabetes affects the small capillaries of your retina. These blood vessels may leak blood, a condition which can be detected through an eye exam. If your optometrist notices this, they may diagnose and treat you for diabetic retinopathy.
2. High Cholesterol: Plaques in the blood vessels of your eyes and a yellowish tint on your corneas may be a sign of high cholesterol.
3. High Blood Pressure. Patients suffering from hypertension can have unusual bends, kinks, or tears in the vessels of their eyes, which are typically visible during an eye exam. This can give you a clearer picture of your risk of stroke, aneurysm, or other complications.
4. Thyroid Disease: One of the biggest tell-tale signs of thyroid disease are bulging eyes or protruding eyeballs. This condition is also known as Graves Disease.
5. Strokes. Sometimes, especially in older patients, blood vessels can show blockages or clots that are visible during a dilated eye exam. These can point to an increased risk for a stroke.
6. Multiple Sclerosis. One of the earliest signs of MS can be related to vision loss and if your optometrist suspects this can be due to MS, they may refer you to a specialist to confirm the diagnosis and begin treatment early, which has significant benefits.
7. Lyme Disease or Crohn’s: While there may be many reasons why you have red or inflamed eyes, recurring eye inflammation can be linked to Crohn’s or Lyme Disease.
Importance of Early Detection
Nearly every health condition can benefit from early diagnosis, which can be the difference between an easily treated issue and something more grave. Having regular eye exams, there, plays a critical role in not just your vision, but your overall health.
Are you overdue for an eye exam?
If you are concerned about changes in your vision, or it’s been a while since you last visited your optometrist, it’s important to make an appointment today.
To see one of our qualified eye doctors, contact our Calgary eye clinic at 403-286-4884 or book a contact lens fitting today.
