We’ve all heard the expression; the eyes are the window to the soul. But according to research, they can tell you a lot more than that. New studies reveal that an eye test can show percussors for other conditions such as dementia, MS, and diabetes.
When doctors do an eye exam, they look at the back of the eye which reveals the retina, the blood vessels, and the optic nerve. This allows optometrists to diagnose, not only disorders of the eye, but also systemic diseases.
If an eye exam seems concerning, the optometrist can refer the person to another specialist so they can further investigate the matter.
“Ocular inflammation can affect many parts of the eye and can often be the first sign of a systemic disease. The key to diagnosing the cause is in focused history-taking followed by a guided investigation of the relevant body systems, including blood tests,” explains Dr Ibrahim, senior specialist trainee in medical ophthalmology at St. Paul’s Eye Unit.
“People are often surprised when an eye doctor diagnoses them with systemic illness, but they shouldn’t be,” says Dr. Philip Storey, a board-certified ophthalmologist and fellowship trained retina specialist at Austin Retina Health. “Many people with systemic illnesses are first diagnosed by their eye doctor which is one reason why all adults should have regular eye examinations at least every 2 years.”
What Conditions Can Be Detected in Eye Exams?
There are several conditions that can be detected with eye exams. These include:
Diabetes
Hypertension
Thyroid disorders
Alzheimer’s disease
Multiple Sclerosis
Regular eye conditions such as glaucoma, nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and age-related macular degeneration can also be detected.
Changes in the blood vessels of the eyes can be signs of conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Narrowing in the arterioles of the retina is a sign of high blood pressure while microaneurysms are found in diabetic retinopathy.
The optic nerve connects the eye to the brain and is therefore a window to the central nervous system. Swelling in the area can lead to vision problems and can also be a sign of autoimmune or neuroinflammatory disorders.
Alzheimer’s may be detected in retinal scans as people with the condition have a much rougher retinal surface than healthy individuals.
Eye tests are a lot less invasive than other testing methods making them an ideal way to detect certain diseases.
And while doctors say regular eye tests are advisable, they warn that eye tests are not the only diagnostic method. So, if you get a normal eye test, that doesn’t necessarily mean you have a clean bill of health.
What methods do you use to stay on top of your health?