You’re probably familiar with the adage, “eyes are the window to your soul.” What you probably don’t know is that your eyes can also be a window to your overall health. 

It’s true. Eye exams can help detect serious health conditions, even in their early stages. 

Retinopathy, where symptoms may include blurry vision, impaired color vision, and leaky fluids in the eye, can be an early indication of diabetes. It’s estimated that as many as 24,000 people a year lose their eye sight to diabetes and diabetic retinopathy. An annual eye exam can help catch diabetes early and protect your vision. 

High blood pressure can also be detected through an eye exam. The small blood vessels in the back of your eye, known as capillaries, can thicken, narrow or burst due to high blood pressure. Since the eye is the only place doctors can view the capillaries, some patients will be referred to an eye doctor by their primary care physician to confirm a potential high blood pressure diagnosis. 

High cholesterol can be noticeable if fatty, yellow lumps form around the eyelids. These deposits could signal cholesterol build up on the arteries as well. An eye exam can help diagnose the symptoms. 

While eye exams may uncover health conditions, they can also ensure your eyes stay healthy by screening for glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration. 

Every VSP® network doctor provides a comprehensive vision exam. If you don’t have vision coverage, consider a VSP Individual Vision Plan which covers an annual eye exam, frames, lens enhancements, and more at MedicareValue.com 

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