Visiting an optometrist for a yearly eye exam is beneficial for more than just your vision. An evaluation of the eyes can also reveal the early stages of many conditions and diseases, making these visits vital to your overall health and well-being. Here are some important examples of what an eye doctor is trained to look for.

What Common Health Issues Are Often Detected During Eye Exams?

1. Type Two Diabetes

If an eye doctor notices bleeding in your retina during an eye exam, it could be a symptom of diabetic retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy occurs when blood vessels rupture and impede your vision, a condition that can lead to blindness. However, the risk can be avoided by taking steps to reverse diabetes and live a healthier lifestyle. A dilated eye exam is usually necessary to detect diabetic retinopathy, but the doctor might have a suspicion that leads to recommending the dilation.

2. Hypertension

Hypertension is another condition commonly diagnosed by optometrists. It rarely has symptoms but is very dangerous, as it leads to an increased risk of heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. An optometrist can discover this issue when looking into your pupil and detecting narrowed blood vessels in your retina. 

3. Autoimmune Diseases

Many common autoimmune diseases don't present symptoms in the early stages, and what subtle symptoms they do have tend to appear in the eyes first. An eye exam by a licensed optometrist can detect the blood vessel changes associated with these diseases, potentially diagnosing patients with lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other conditions.

To stay on top of your overall health and vision, schedule an eye exam using the latest technology from Daniel J. Kroger OD in West Chester, OH. This doctor has over 25 years of eye care experience and can provide a diagnosis to help explain how your eyes may be contributing to another health condition. Their practice is dedicated to providing compassionate service at affordable rates, which you can learn more about on their website. Call (513) 777-3936 to inquire about appointment availability and schedule your visit.