When we think of an eye exam, we usually think of updating our prescription or checking our vision. But did you know eye exams can also help detect health conditions like diabetes? It sounds surprising, but it’s true! Many people are unaware of this fact and often overlook the importance of regular eye exams.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at how eye exams help with diagnosing diabetes, why early detection matters, and other benefits of having regular eye exams.
How can eye exams detect diabetes?
During an eye exam, your eye doctor will look at the blood vessels in your eye. If you have diabetes, these blood vessels may be damaged or leaking, leading to vision problems or even blindness if left untreated. In some cases, your eye doctor can even see small amounts of bleeding in the retina, which is a tell-tale sign of diabetes.
The importance of early detection
Early detection of diabetes can be crucial. The earlier diabetes is detected, the easier it is to manage and prevent long-term complications. If you don’t manage diabetes properly, it can lead to serious problems like heart disease, kidney failure, and even amputation. That’s why it’s important to schedule regular eye exams even if you don’t think you have any vision problems.
Other benefits of eye exams
Along with detecting diabetes, regular eye exams can benefit your overall health in many other ways. For example, an eye exam can help detect other eye conditions like glaucoma, macular degeneration, or cataracts. These conditions can also lead to vision loss if left untreated. Regular eye exams can also detect high blood pressure or high cholesterol. Your eye doctor can spot signs of these conditions by looking at the blood vessels in your eye.
If you’re at risk of developing diabetes, scheduling regular eye exams is a crucial part of maintaining your overall health. Not only can eye exams detect diabetes early, but they can also help identify other health conditions and maintain healthy vision. If you haven’t had an eye exam in a while, contact Walter Eye Clinic in Tinley Park to schedule yours!
