HEALTH | 50 PLUS MAGAZINE
SIX HEALTH CONDITIONS AN EYE EXAM CAN REVEAL Dr Andy Hepworth from optical lens specialists Essilor. co.uk explains what eye examinations can reveal beyond short or long sightedness and common eye conditions. “TV Celebrity Sue Perkins recently revealed that her father was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour as a result of an eye examination at an optician. This is one example of why it’s vital for people to get their eyes checked regularly by a professional, at least within the recommended timeframe of every two years minimum, even if your vision seems fine. “Eyes are like a magnifying glass into the inner workings of our blood vessels, nerves and connective tissues throughout the body. So eye examinations are an important health check for overall wellbeing – and a potential way to identify an underlying potentially life-threatening issues. Here’s six signs of other health issues that eye tests can reveal: 1. Brain tumours: Tumours on the brain can cause increased pressure that results in swelling near the back of the eyes – meaning that an optometrist can see these abnormalities. Changes in pupil size or double vision are also potential signs of a brain tumour. Other cancers that might affect the eyelids and outer surfaces of the eye can also be found during a detailed eye exam.
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2. Diabetes: Diabetes affects eye tissue and thus can be identified with an eye exam. Tiny blood vessels in the retina that leak yellow fluid or blood can be a sign of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy happens when the blood vessels in the eye are damaged by high blood glucose levels, which is a serious condition if left undiagnosed. Early signs are usually picked up during diabetic eye screening – this is when photographs of your eyes are taken to check for damage. 3. Cardiovascular conditions: Eye exams can detect a number of cardiovascular conditions, including clogged arteries or decreased blood flow due to heart disease. These conditions can leave plaque deposits or show as damage within the eye area to indicate a more significant health issue. 4. High Blood Pressure: A very slight bleed in the eye, that presents itself as a tiny broken blood vessel in the white of the eye, can be associated with high blood pressure. 5. High Cholesterol: Eye tests can detect some warning signs that point to the presence of high cholesterol. For example, sometimes people with high cholesterol have small deposits of fat (called xanthelasmas) that can occur on the eyelids. Similarly, by examining the cornea – the dome shaped clear structure in front of your iris – it can show what’s called an arcus that can relate to cholesterol levels.
